The Alleged Dynastic Era of Commagene

Margherita FACELLA   336–348 | Download

 

Abstract: The idea of a Commagenian era, beginning with the secession of this territory from the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century B.C., is quite widespread among specialists of the Hellenistic and Roman Near East. The suggestion goes back to Henry Seyrig, Richard Sullivan and before them Victor Langlois, who explained group of letters appearing on Commagenian coins as dates, reckoning from the year 163/162 B.C. This contribution analyses old and new numismatic and epigraphic evidence, showing that at present there is no proof of the existence of a Commagenian dynastic era.

Keywords: Commagene; dynasts; Seleucid Empire; coins; era.

 

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