Numismatic research

The ongoing excavations at Keber Tepe have already produced a significant number of coins. The bulk of these finds consist of Roman imperial bronzes, dating back to the late antique period, in particular to the 4^th and the beginning of the 5^th century AD. The most ancient coin so far recovered is a bronze of Alexander the Great of Macedonia, which is clearly residual; the latest coins date to the 11^th century and belong to the group of Anonymous Folles. Unlike at Dülük Baba Tepesi, the number of Roman Provincial coins which have been recovered is still quite limited (reflecting the excavated contexts) and includes mainly specimens of the 2^nd and 3^rd century AD.

The numismatic material from Doliche will be an important addition to the body of evidence concerning coin circulation in Commagene and North Syria during the Hellenistic and Roman period. The paucity of systematic excavations and the absence of good numismatic records explains why the current picture of coin use in this area remains so patchy. The analysis of the coins from the rescue excavations of Zeugma has largely improved our knowledge; the coin finds from Doliche will now offer an important resource for comparisons with neighbouring sites and for better understanding of currency practices in this area.

Prof. Dr. Margherita Facella