260 – 230 BCE
AE 17mm 4.26g
Sphinx seated right /
ИANAΨAΣ ΠΡEIIAΣ; Artemis standing left, holding wreath and scepter.
Colin series 2.1; SNG France 355-61
Perge was among the most important cities in Pamphylia and has been occupied for at least 6000 years. It made its start in Greek history after being taken by settlers from Rhodes in the 7th century BCE. The city was later taken by the Persians, under whom it remained until Alexander the Great arrived.
Alexander himself visited the city in 334 BCE and when he died it came under Seleukid control.
I’ve actually visited the ruins while on a trip to Turkey. I stayed in Antalya and visited on a day trip, though little did I know at the time that I’d eventually own a coin from the city.
Strabo mentions that the ancient city had a temple of Artemis Pergaea, and a festival to her was celebrated each year. That would likely explain the image of Artemis on the reverse of this coin.
Perge and other cities of Pamphylia are placed under the Persian Empire.
Alexander the Great captures Perge, then marches on to Aspendos. The inhabitants agree to taxes in exhange for being left alone, but as Alexander continues to Side and Sillyon, he learns that Aspendos did not ratify the taxes. Enraged, he turns his army around. Aspendos quickly surrenders, but this time Alexander gives them far harsher terms.
The mathematician Apollonios is born in Perge.
The walls around the lower city in Perge are constructed.
The mathematician Apollonios dies in Perge.
Adramytteion, Smyrna, Sestos, Synnada, Laodikeia ad Lykon, Attalaia, Erythrai, Ephesos, Perge, and Assos come under Roman control after Attalos III, the last Attalid king, leaves it to Rome in his will.
The Romans build the Via Sebaste linking Perge with Pisidia.
St. Paul journeys to Perge.
A triumphal arch is constructed by Hadrian in Perge.
Hadrian‘s Nymphaeum is constructed in Perge.