LYDIA. Hierocaesarea. Pseudo-autonomous. Time of Trajan-Hadrian.(98-138). Ae.

Obv : ΠЄΡСΙΚΗ.
Draped bust of Artemis Persica right, with quiver over shoulder and bow and arrow at breast.

Rev : ΙЄΡΟΚΑΙСΑΡЄΩΝ.
Lighted altar.
RPC III online 1856; SNG Aulock 2952.
EX BIGA.

Condition : The coin is in good condition with visible details on both sides, although there is some surface wear. The patina is a greenish-brown color, indicating natural oxidation over time, giving the coin an aged and authentic appearance. The surface shows light encrustation, particularly on the obverse.Good very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 2.56 gr
Diameter : 15 mm

Hierocaesarea, also known as Hierokaisareia, was an ancient city located in the region of Lydia in western Anatolia, which is present-day Turkey. Lydia, known for its rich history and wealth, was home to many important cities of the ancient world, and Hierocaesarea was one of the smaller yet significant urban centers in this region. The city was strategically located near the Hermus River (modern Gediz River), close to Mount Tmolus (Bozdağ), in the fertile plains that made Lydia a prosperous agricultural hub.

The history of Hierocaesarea is closely tied to the religious and cultural life of Lydia. The city was particularly renowned for its association with the cult of the Persian deity Anahita, worshiped under the local name Artemis Anaitis. This version of Artemis was worshiped as a water goddess, and the presence of her cult in Hierocaesarea highlights the blending of Greek and Persian religious traditions in western Anatolia. The cult of Artemis Anaitis was significant enough to make the city a center of pilgrimage and religious activity in the region, attracting worshipers from surrounding cities.

Hierocaesarea likely gained prominence during the Hellenistic period, following the conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great. After Alexander's death, the region came under the control of the Seleucid Empire, one of the successor states of his empire. During this period, many cities in western Anatolia saw an influx of Greek culture, including architecture, coinage, and religious practices, which were often blended with local traditions. The Seleucid rulers were known to promote cities with significant religious sanctuaries, which likely contributed to the development of Hierocaesarea.

The name Hierocaesarea, which translates to "the sacred city of Caesar," suggests that the city underwent significant urban and political changes during the Roman period. As the Roman Empire expanded into Asia Minor, it incorporated many cities into its provincial administration. The granting of the name Caesarea, which was common in cities that sought to honor the Roman emperors, reflects the city's alignment with Roman imperial authority. This change in name likely occurred during the reign of Augustus or his successors, as part of a broader trend of cities honoring the Roman emperors by adopting the title of Caesarea in their names.

Under Roman rule, Hierocaesarea flourished as part of the province of Asia, one of the wealthiest provinces in the empire. The city benefited from the Pax Romana, the extended period of peace and stability brought by Roman rule, which allowed trade, agriculture, and religious practices to thrive without the disruption of war. As a small yet prosperous city, Hierocaesarea likely served as a regional religious center, with its temple to Artemis Anaitis attracting pilgrims from across Lydia and beyond.

In addition to its religious significance, the city was known for its agricultural production, taking advantage of the fertile lands surrounding the Hermus River. The rich soil of the Lydian plains supported the cultivation of olives, grapes, and other crops that were central to the economy of western Anatolia. Hierocaesarea likely participated in the broader network of trade that connected the cities of Asia Minor with the rest of the Roman Empire, exporting agricultural products to other parts of the Mediterranean world.

Archaeological evidence from Hierocaesarea is somewhat limited, but the discovery of inscriptions, coins, and ruins provides insight into the city's history. Coins minted in Hierocaesarea often depicted the goddess Artemis Anaitis, a testament to the central role her cult played in the city's identity. These coins also featured Roman emperors, reflecting the city's loyalty to Rome and its place within the imperial system.

The city’s decline likely began in the late Roman or early Byzantine periods, as many cities in Asia Minor faced economic challenges, invasions, and natural disasters that disrupted life in the region. The rise of Christianity also contributed to changes in the religious landscape, as pagan cults, including the worship of Artemis Anaitis, were gradually replaced by Christian institutions. Hierocaesarea, like many ancient cities, eventually faded into obscurity, and its once-significant religious sanctuary fell into ruin.

Today, the exact location of Hierocaesarea is believed to be near the modern Turkish village of Beykoy, though extensive archaeological excavations have not been conducted to fully uncover the ancient city's remains. Despite its relatively small size compared to other Lydian cities like Sardis or Philadelphia, Hierocaesarea played a vital role in the religious and cultural life of ancient Lydia, serving as a center for the worship of a unique fusion of Greek and Persian deities. Its legacy as a sacred city, honored by Roman emperors, offers a glimpse into the dynamic and interconnected world of ancient Anatolia.