Decapolis, Dium
Geta. As Caesar
Dated CY 270 of Septimius Severus (207/8 CE)
Æ 25mm, 13.35g, 12h
Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind /
War–god Hadad standing facing, wearing kalathos with bull horns, holding eagle–tipped scepter and Nike; recumbent bulls flanking, OC (date) to right.
Spijkerman 7; RPC V.3 Online 68424; Rosenberger 6; Sofaer 6-7
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 2014
The exact location of Dium today is disputed. Here, I’ve gone with the majority in placing it at Tell el-Ash’ari but the only description we have is it was between Gadara and Pella. The ancient historian mentioned that he traveled through Dium while on the way between Damascus to Pella. Ruins at Tell el-Ash’ari exist, and seem to be those of Dium, but no inscriptions that would tell us for sure have been located.
According to Stephanus, the city’s water was unhealthy. It was conquered by Alexander Jannaios, and later received its freedom in 62 BCE.
My coin depicts the war god Hadad, an ancient deity who was believed to cause storms. He may be the same Ba’al mentioned in the Torah, and his cult appears to have continued into Roman times.