CILICIA. Mallus.Julia Domna.(Augusta, 193-217). Ae.

Obv : Draped bust right.

Rev : ΜΑΛΛΩΤΩΝ.
Cult statue of Athena facing, holding spear in right hand.
EX BIGA.

Condition : The coin is in fair condition, with a greenish-brown patina covering most of the surface. Some areas show slight wear, and the details of the portrait and inscriptions are still visible but somewhat eroded. The patina gives the coin an aged and historical appearance, with a natural oxidized look.Good very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 10.23 gr
Diameter : 23 mm

Mallus was an ancient city located in Cilicia, a region of southeastern Anatolia near the Mediterranean Sea, in what is now modern-day Turkey. It was situated at the mouth of the Pyramus River (modern Ceyhan River) and played a significant role in the historical and cultural development of Cilicia. Mallus was known for its strategic location, intellectual life, and its association with notable historical figures and myths.

The city’s foundation was attributed to the mythical seer and hero Mopsus, who was said to have established Mallus in the aftermath of the Trojan War. Mopsus was believed to have been a gifted prophet, and the city's origins tied it deeply to the ancient traditions of Greek mythology. Mallus, therefore, developed a reputation as a city of wisdom and religious significance, associated with oracles and seers.

Mallus was one of the key cities in the Cilician plains, a region known for its fertile land and proximity to important trade routes. The city’s location near the Pyramus River facilitated trade and agriculture, making Mallus an important economic center. Its access to the Mediterranean Sea allowed for trade with other parts of the Mediterranean, especially with the Hellenistic cities and kingdoms. The surrounding fertile lands were suitable for growing crops such as grains, olives, and fruits, which supported the city’s population and allowed it to thrive.

During the classical period, Mallus came under the influence of various empires, starting with the Persian Achaemenid Empire. The Persians exerted control over much of Asia Minor, including Cilicia, but cities like Mallus retained a degree of autonomy under local rulers who were often loyal to Persia. Persian rule over Mallus continued until the conquests of Alexander the Great in the late 4th century BCE.

Under Alexander’s empire, Mallus experienced a period of Hellenization, where Greek culture, language, and political organization became dominant. After Alexander's death, the region of Cilicia, including Mallus, was contested by the successor states of the Hellenistic world, especially the Seleucids and Ptolemies. During this time, Mallus developed into a flourishing city, with Greek architecture, institutions, and intellectual life becoming integral parts of its identity.

One of the most famous historical figures associated with Mallus was the philosopher Crates of Mallus, who was born in the city in the 2nd century BCE. Crates was a prominent grammarian and Stoic philosopher, and he became well known for his work in linguistics and textual criticism. He founded a school of grammar in Pergamon and made significant contributions to the study of Homeric poetry, further enhancing Mallus’ reputation as a city of learning and intellectual activity. His work had a lasting impact on the development of philology in the ancient world.

Mallus, like much of Cilicia, came under Roman rule in the 1st century BCE following the expansion of the Roman Republic into Asia Minor. The Roman general Pompey the Great played a key role in reorganizing the region and bringing it firmly under Roman control after his successful campaigns against the pirates who had plagued the coast of Cilicia. Under Roman rule, Mallus became part of the Roman province of Cilicia and enjoyed a period of relative stability and prosperity. The Romans built infrastructure such as roads and aqueducts, which helped to further integrate the city into the Roman Empire’s trade and administrative networks.

During the Roman and later Byzantine periods, Mallus continued to be an important urban center in Cilicia. The city, like many others in the region, saw the spread of Christianity in the early centuries of the Roman Empire. Mallus became a Christian bishopric, and it is mentioned in ecclesiastical records as a center of Christian activity during the Byzantine era. The transition from paganism to Christianity marked a significant shift in the city’s religious and cultural life.

However, Mallus also faced challenges during the later centuries of antiquity. The city, like others in Cilicia, was affected by invasions and internal conflicts. In particular, the Arab-Byzantine wars of the 7th century CE brought destruction to many cities in the region. Cilicia became a frontier zone between the Byzantine Empire and the expanding Islamic Caliphates, and cities like Mallus were often caught in the crossfire of these larger geopolitical struggles.

By the medieval period, Mallus had declined in prominence, overshadowed by other cities in the region such as Tarsus and Adana. The city’s location, while strategically important, also made it vulnerable to flooding from the Pyramus River, which may have contributed to its eventual abandonment.

Today, the ruins of Mallus have been partially excavated, offering insights into the city's past. Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of public buildings, inscriptions, and other artifacts that shed light on the city’s role in the ancient world. Although Mallus never achieved the fame of some of its neighboring cities, its rich history, intellectual contributions, and strategic location make it an important part of the historical fabric of ancient Cilicia.

In summary, Mallus was a significant city in ancient Cilicia, known for its mythical origins, intellectual contributions, and strategic importance. Its association with figures like Mopsus and Crates of Mallus highlights its role as a center of wisdom and learning. Under Roman and Byzantine rule, the city continued to thrive as a key urban center, though it eventually declined due to political and environmental factors.