An ancient hoard of Persian coins was recently discovered in Notion, an ancient city-state in modern-day Turkey, shedding light on the political landscape of the late fifth century B.C. The hoard, consisting of darics, gold coins equal to a month’s pay, was found buried in the ruins of an earlier dwelling beneath a house dating back to the third century B.C.
Archaeologist Christopher Ratté from the University of Michigan proposed various scenarios to explain the presence of the hoard, suggesting that a mercenary soldier may have hidden his savings in a small jug, called an olpe, in the earthen floor of his quarters. However, for unknown reasons, the soldier never retrieved his treasure, leaving it undiscovered for 2,400 years.
The discovery of the Notion hoard is significant, as it provides insight into the use of darics to pay soldiers of fortune during ancient times. Andrew Meadows, an archaeologist from the University of Oxford, emphasized the importance of the find in refining the chronology of Achaemenid gold coinage, as such hoards are rare in Asia Minor.
Notion, situated atop a promontory in western Anatolia, was part of the Greek-speaking communities that emerged in the region in the early first millennium B.C. The city-state’s location in a contested frontier zone marked by warfare, insecurity, and power struggles reflects the turbulent political climate of the time.
Dr. Ratté drew parallels between the ancient conflicts in the region, such as the Trojan War, and modern-day crises like the Syrian refugee crisis. He noted that Notion’s small harbor served as a departure point for Syrian refugees fleeing across Turkey to Europe during the refugee crisis a decade ago, highlighting the enduring relevance of the city-state’s historical context.
The archaeological site at Notion covers 80 acres and offers a glimpse into the past of this ancient city-state. The discovery of the Persian coin hoard adds to our understanding of the economic and social dynamics of the region during the late fifth century B.C. The excavation at Notion continues to yield valuable insights into the ancient world, reminding us of the rich history and complex interactions that shaped the civilizations of the past.
