Roman Empire, Decapolis. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180 AD Capitolias, CY 70 (167/8 CE)
Roman Empire, Decapolis. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180 AD Capitolias, CY 70 (167/8 CE)
AE26, (26mm, 12h).
Laureate and cuirassed bust right wearing paludamentum and shown from rear / Tyche-Astarte standing left, holding small bust and scepter, resting foot on river-god, within hexastyle temple with central arch; O (date) in legend. ΚΑΠITW in exergue, ΛΙΕWΝ right upwards, IAA.O left downwards
References: RPC IV.3 6554. Spijkerman plate 19, 3
Grade: Slightly rough surfaces but well struck and interesting reverse hexastyle temple. EF
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This AE26 of Marcus Aurelius from Capitolias depicts Tyche-Astarte within a hexastyle temple, holding a small bust and scepter, her foot resting on a river-god. The type reflects the syncretism of Greco-Roman Tyche with the Phoenician goddess Astarte, uniting civic protection, imperial loyalty, and local religious tradition. The river-god symbolizes Capitolias’ dependence on water resources, while the temple façade likely references an actual or idealized cult building. Struck in Civic Year 70 (167/8 CE), the coin conveys stability and prosperity under Roman rule during a turbulent imperial period. Distinctive among Decapolis issues, this type combines monumental architecture, hybrid deity imagery, and local geographic symbolism to assert both municipal identity and imperial connection.