Basic information Coinage in the Classical Period

Ancient Greek name:	Ἀφροδισιάς
Latinised name:	Aphrodisias
Latin designation:	oppidum Veneris1

 

Basic information

Aphrodisias was located near the present-day town of Yeşilovacık, in Silifke District, Mersin Province, Turkey. It stood on the eastern side of the isthmus connecting Cape Tisan with the mainland. The city probably had harbours on both the western and eastern sides of the isthmus.2

The date of the city’s foundation is unknown. Pseudo-Skylax (c. 330 BC) describes it as a harbour (λιμήν).3 Diodorus Siculus records a battle fought near Aphrodisias in 315 BC during the Wars of the Diadochi.4 No coinage was issued at Aphrodisias during the Roman period. The city later came under Byzantine rule and was abandoned during the Middle Ages.

Stephanus of Byzantium (5th century AD) lists ten cities of this name.5

 

Coinage in the Classical Period

Silver denominations:	Possibly staters and obols (Persian weight standard).
Bronze denominations:	Not known.
City ethnic on coins:	None; all coins tentatively attributed to Aphrodisias are anepigraphic.
Further information:	Coin Catalogue / Aphrodisias