It is the late fifth century B.C., and a mercenary soldier in the ancient city-state of Notion in modern-day Turkey hides a small jug filled with gold coins, known as darics, under the earthen floor of his quarters. Each coin is worth a month’s pay, and the soldier intended to keep his savings safe in the olpe. However, for unknown reasons, the soldier never retrieves his hoard, leaving it undisturbed for 2,400 years.
Recently, archaeologists from the University of Michigan, led by Christopher Ratté, uncovered this ancient treasure trove while excavating the ruins of Notion. The coins were found buried in a corner of an older building beneath the courtyard of a house dating back to the third century B.C. This discovery sheds light on the historical context of the time, as darics were commonly used to pay mercenaries. Andrew Meadows, an archaeologist from the University of Oxford, emphasized the significance of this find in understanding Achaemenid gold coinage.
Notion, situated on a promontory in western Anatolia, played a crucial role in the political landscape of Asia Minor during the ancient era. The city-state was part of the Greek-speaking communities that emerged in the region, likely due to migration across the Aegean Sea. The deposition and loss of the hoard coincided with a period of warfare, insecurity, and power struggles in the contested frontier zone, reminiscent of the historical conflicts like the Trojan War.
Dr. Ratté highlighted the parallels between the ancient past and the present, citing the Syrian refugee crisis as a modern example of displacement and migration. Notion’s small harbor on the east side served as a departure point for Syrian refugees fleeing through Turkey to Europe during the recent refugee crisis, underscoring the enduring relevance of historical events on current affairs.
The archaeological site at Notion spans 80 acres and offers valuable insights into the ancient history of the region. The discovery of the Persian coin hoard adds another layer to the rich tapestry of civilizations that once thrived in this area. The meticulous excavation and analysis of artifacts by Dr. Ratté and his team contribute to a better understanding of the political, economic, and social dynamics of the past.
In conclusion, the unearthing of the ancient treasure in Notion provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people who lived over two millennia ago. The story of the mercenary soldier and his hidden hoard of darics adds a mysterious and intriguing chapter to the history of this ancient city-state in Turkey.
