Ancient Cappadocia Caesarea Gordian III AD 238-244 AR Drachm NGC AU

Ancient Cappadocia Caesarea Gordian III AD 238-244 AR Drachm NGC AU

NGC certified and graded AU. The coin features the head of Gordian III facing right on the obverse, while the reverse depicts Mt. Argaeus. The coin is a silver drachm, dated year 5 (241/2). It has  great eye appeal and should make a wonderful addition to any collection!

Ancient Cappadocia and Caesarea

Cappadocia was an ancient region located in what is now central Turkey. It was known for its unique geological features, with striking rock formations and extensive underground cities, which were used by early Christians as hideouts. Cappadocia was historically significant for its strategic location, which placed it on major trade and military routes connecting the East and West.

Caesarea, known originally as Mazaca, was the capital of Cappadocia. Under Roman rule, it was renamed Caesarea in honor of the emperor Tiberius. Caesarea served as a major administrative and economic center. It was also a hub of early Christian activity and later became a significant center of Christian learning and theology.

Emperor Gordian III

Gordian III was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 238 AD to 244 AD. He ascended to the throne at a very young age, following the tumultuous Year of the Six Emperors, which saw a rapid succession of rulers vying for power. His rise to power was largely due to the influence of his grandfather, Gordian I, and his father, Gordian II, both of whom had briefly been co-emperors before their deaths during earlier power struggles.

Gordian III's reign is often considered to be under the effective control of his advisers, particularly the Praetorian Prefect Timesitheus, who helped stabilize the empire during Gordian’s early years. Under his administration, the empire saw a period of relative peace and economic recovery.

However, Gordian III’s reign is best known for the Persian campaign against the Sassanian Empire, aimed at retaliating against Persian incursions into Roman territory. The young emperor led the campaign personally, but after initial successes, the campaign turned disastrous. Gordian III died in 244 AD under mysterious circumstances during this military expedition. His death led to the rise of Philip the Arab, who declared himself emperor after Gordian’s demise. There is still some debate among historians about whether Gordian III was murdered, died in battle, or succumbed to disease.

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