Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior
Gordian III 238-244 CE
Ae Pentassarion 27mm, 10.9g
Obv: AVT K M ANT GORDIANOC AVG; Confronted busts of Gordian and Serapis
Rev: VP MHNOFILOV MARKIANOPOLEI-T-W-N (last three letters in left field); Apollo standng with right hand on head and holding bow; to left quiver, to right serpent coiled about tree trunk; E in left field
Varbanov 1948
Marcianopolis was the Roman capital of Moesia Inferior. It minted a tremendous number of coins and today its ruins are a tourist attraction particularly famous for its mosaic floors.
Marcianopolis received its name in 106 CE, when Trajan named it for his sister Ulpia Marciana. It was originally part of Thrace, then reassigned to Moesia Inferior. Under Diocletian, the city increased in influence and by the 4th century was one of the strongest in the region. It even served as a temporary capital under Valens.
Some of the ruins are still visitable.
106 CE
Marcianopolis renamed in honor of Trajans sister Ulpia Marciana
248 CE
Marcianopolis heavily damaged by a Goth raid
267 CE
Marcianopolis repels a Goth raid
447 CE
Marcianopolis destroyed by Attila the Hun