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Æ28 - Commodus ΚΥΖΙΚΗ ΝΕΟΚΟΡΩΝ
| Issuer | Cyzicus (Conventus of Cyzicus) |
|---|---|
| Year | 180-186 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Reverse description | Two-line Greek inscription within a laurel wreath, the wreath tied at the base and composed of symmetrical leafy branches converging at the top. The legend ΚΥΖΙΚΗ ΝΕΟΚΟΡΩΝ, proclaiming Cyzicus as a neokoros (warden of the imperial cult), is displayed across two lines within the wreath's embrace. This neokorate title, awarded to the city during the reign of Commodus, underscores the elevated religious and political status of Cyzicus within the province of Asia. The wreath border is clearly delineated with individual ovate leaves rendered in low relief. |
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| Mintage | ND (180-186) |
| Additional information |
Cyzicus held the title of neokoros — temple warden of the imperial cult — with particular pride, having secured it under Hadrian when their massive temple to Zeus (one of the largest in the ancient world) was rededicated to the Roman imperial cult. The legend ΚΥΖΙΚΗ ΝΕΟΚΟΡΩΝ on civic bronzes of this type functioned as much as civic advertising as monetary inscription, asserting the city's privileged religious status within the provincia Asia at a moment when several cities competed bitterly for such honors. Commodus's reign added a layer of complexity: his increasing identification with Hercules disrupted conventional imperial cult protocol across the Greek East.