Abstract
MYNDOS ASAR ISLAND COIN FINDS
One of the cities of Carian, the ancient City of Myndos, is one of the cities at the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean crossing, which, as ancient authors often mention, is a major location due to its geographical location.
As a result of the archaeological excavations carried out on Asar Island between 2009 and 2013, 15 coins were found and evaluated. The coins included in the study cover the period starting from the earliest finds until the acceptance of Christianity as the only legitimate religion of the empire in 391 AD.
The earliest coin finds found on the island belong to the Mausolos Period. The city, which Mausolos rebuilt, was planned in accordance with Greek urbanism understanding, and the entire settlement area was enclosed within the walls. In addition, it is thought that the fortification structure surrounding the city and the Apollo Archegetes altar were built during the Mausolus Period.
Coin finds dating before this period could not be identified. The increase in the welfare level of the city in the Hellenistic Period played an important role in the minting of coins.
Among the coins that may belong to the Hellenistic Period, 1 Halikarnassos coin, 3 Myndos' own coin, and 1 Thessaloniki coin were identified. Among the coins of the Roman Period, 3 Great Constantine, 1 Constantine I, 5 II. Constantius, 1 Valens, and their coins are among the finds. Although the density of the coin finds is low, it represents a wide period from the Mausolus Period to the 4th century AD. Especially in coins II. Constantius coins show a little more density.
Keywords
Caria, Myndos, Asar ısland, mausolos, coin.