Queen Erato of Armenia
Artaxata (Artashat, Armenia) mint
sole reign, c. 1-2 CE
Bronze octachalkon 1.925g 23.2mm die axis 180o
obverse BA – EPAT (Greek: Basilissa Erato – Queen Erato), diademed and draped bust of Erato right;
reverse aerial view of the city walls of Artaxata, in the shape of an octagon, with six tall round defense towers and two gateways, [E – Γ] (Greek: regnal year 3) above
Kovacs 187, Bedoukian CCA -; Nercessian ACV -; MDHRAC –
This coin, though worn, depicts the ancient walls of Artaxata, with a shape of an octagon with two defensive towers.
The city was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Armenia and was a major commercial center. Its ruins may still be visited, and are scenic with Mt Ararat – which occurs on some of the city’s coinage – in the background. It was founded in 176 BCE by the King Artaxias I and named for him. Legend has that its site was chosen by the Carthaginian general Hannibal, and this is backed by Plutarch and Strabo, but most historians do not believe this.
The city soon became cosmopolitan and was considered among the most beautiful cities in the world.
Artaxata founded
Mark Antony attacks Artaxata and takes the king, Artavasdes II, captive
Artaxata destroyed by Cappadocian legions under Roman command
Nero spends for the reconstruction of Artaxata
Trajan installs a garrison in Artaxata after invading Armenia
Romans under Statius Priscus again destroy Artaxata