Leu Numismatik AG
Auction 7 24-25 Oct 2020
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ARABIA. Philippopolis. Divus Julius Marinus, died before 244. Diassarion (Bronze, 22 mm, 7.09 g, 12 h), circa 247-249. ΘЄΩ MAPINΩ Bare head of Divus Julius Marinus, with slight drapery on his left shoulder, set to right on eagle standing right with spread wings. Rev. ΦIΛIΠΠOΠOΛIT-ΩN KOΛΩNIAC / S - C Roma (or Allat?) standing front, head to left, holding patera in her right hand and spear in her left; at feet to right, shield. SNG ANS 140. Spijkerman 2. Sofaer 2. Rare. An exceptional example with a splendid portrait. Slightly smoothed, otherwise, good very fine.
Upon succeeding to the throne, Philip I deified his deceased father Julius Marinus and raised their Arabian native village, whose ancient name is unknown, to the rank of a colonia. The new colony was renamed Philippopolis in honor of the emperor and large building projects were initiated, including a forum, a stadium, a theatre, a city wall and a temple called Philippeion, which was dedicated to the god Marinus. As a matter of fact, even the road from Bostra to Damascus was redirected to pass through the city to boost its prosperity. However, when Philip I was killed in 249, all construction works came to an abrupt halt as the settlement vanished from imperial attention, leaving many of its monumental buildings unfinished.
Upon succeeding to the throne, Philip I deified his deceased father Julius Marinus and raised their Arabian native village, whose ancient name is unknown, to the rank of a colonia. The new colony was renamed Philippopolis in honor of the emperor and large building projects were initiated, including a forum, a stadium, a theatre, a city wall and a temple called Philippeion, which was dedicated to the god Marinus. As a matter of fact, even the road from Bostra to Damascus was redirected to pass through the city to boost its prosperity. However, when Philip I was killed in 249, all construction works came to an abrupt halt as the settlement vanished from imperial attention, leaving many of its monumental buildings unfinished.