Æ32 - Marcus Aurelius ΤΟΝ ΚΤΙϹΤΗΝ ΚΙΑΝΟΙ

The inscription ΤΟΝ ΚΤΙϹΤΗΝ — "the founder" — is not decorative flattery. It ties Marcus Aurelius to a civic refoundation tradition deeply embedded in Bithynian city politics, where communities competed aggressively for imperial recognition by casting living emperors in the role of mythological or historical ktistai. Cius had ancient founding legends involving Cius of Mysia, and invoking that same honorific for a reigning emperor was a calculated bid for prestige within the province.

The early years of Marcus's sole reign, before plague devastated Asia Minor's population and tax base after 165, represent the last window of relative civic prosperity in which such ambitious bronze issues were routine.