An ancient Greek city in modern-day western Turkey was the setting for the finding of gold coins dating back thousands of years. Researchers led by University of Michigan archaeologist Christopher Ratté discovered a hoard of gold coins in a small pot buried in the city of Notion. The team dated the ancient coins to the fifth century B.C., according to a news release on Aug. 4.
Discovery of Gold Coins in Notion
Excavations of Notion began in 2022, with the gold coins being discovered the following year. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently gave their permission for the discovery to be made public.
The discovered gold coins display a kneeling archer, which is a “characteristic design of the Persian daric,” per the news release. Ratté, who is also the director of the Notion Archaeological Project, mentioned that this type of gold coin was likely produced at Sardis and distributed by the Persian Empire, located about 60 miles northeast of Notion.
Insight: Impact of Contextual Information on Chronological Timeline
The slight changes between coins are essential for establishing a chronological order. The discovery of the coins in modern-day Turkey allows researchers to date them based on other artifacts found with them, such as fragments of pottery. This contextual information provides valuable insights into the chronological timeline of the Persian daric.
Insight: Preserving Historical Knowledge Through Archaeological Finds
Findings like the discovery of the gold coins in Notion contribute significantly to our understanding of ancient history. The preservation of contextual information through archaeological discoveries helps historians fill gaps in historical knowledge and unravel the past.
Insight: The Suggested Events Leading to the Abandonment of Gold Coins
The exact circumstances that led to the hoard of coins in Notion being left behind remain unknown. However, theories suggest potential events such as military conflicts involving Persian sympathizers, Greek mercenaries, and Greek city-states like Athens and Sparta in the fifth century B.C. These events may have influenced the decision to bury the precious metal and subsequently leave it unrecovered.
As of now, the coins are undergoing further study at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Turkey, adding to our understanding of ancient economies, trade, and military history.
