Doliche, Commagene, Syria
Commodus as Caesar 175-177 CE
AE 8.839g, 24.0mm, die axis 30o
obverse KOMMOΔOC KAIC ΓEPMAN CAPMA (Greek: Commodus Caesar Germanicus Sarmaticus), bare-headed, draped, and cuirassed youthful bust right;
reverse ΔOΛI/XAIΩN / A (Greek: of the Dolicheans, 1) in three lines in laurel wreath;
RPC Online IV.3 T5745; SNG Cop 13; BMC Galatia p. 114, 4
ex Concordia 2025
Doliche, known today as Dülük, is considered the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Turkey. Artifacts from the copper age have been found along with evidence of the earliest mathematical calculations. In very ancient times, a sanctuary of he Hittite god Teshub was celebrated there.
Not much is known from Hellenistic times, but it’s believed the name comes from Thessalian colonists. There is some evidence of trade with Rhodes in the 3rd-2nd centuries BCE. It was ruled for some time under Commagene, before being incorporated into the Roman Empire. During Roman times, worship of Jupiter Dolichenus grew. It also minted its own coins, which are now rare.
72 CE
Commagene, including Doliche, is annexed to the Roman Empire