Arabia, Medaba
Septimius Severus. Dated CY 105 (210/11 CE)
Æ 28mm, 14.33g, 12h
Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind /
Helios standing facing, radiate head left, holding torch and raising right hand, driving facing spread quadriga; P Є (date) below quadriga
Spijkerman 2 var. (legends); RPC V.3 Online 68331 (this coin cited); Rosenberger 2-3 var. (same); Sofaer 1-2 var. (same)
Ex Joseph A. Dow Collection
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic 2012
Medaba is a rare ancient city whose modern location today has the same name – Medaba in Jordan. Mentioned in the Bible, its possession alternated between Israel and Moab. Today, it is most famous for its mosaics – principal among them the Medaba Map – which depicts the cities of Egypt, Syria, and Israel. It is the oldest known geographic floor mosaic we have and has been heavily cited. It was created sometime between 542-570 CE. Today, it is still located in the Byzantine church of Saint George.
Excavations of the rest of the city are ongoing.