v59_0107 - IONIA - ERITRAI Drachme

IONIA - ERYTHRAI

(4th - 2nd century BC)

Eritrea was located on the very indented coast of Ionia opposite the island of Chios and opposite Clazomene. The city was renowned for its temple of Herakles and Athena Polias. The coinage is one of the oldest in Asia Minor and the city experienced significant commercial prosperity. The city received autonomy after the Battle of Magnesia. During the first war against Rome, the city supported Mithridates VI of Pontus, like its neighbor Ephesus. The city had an important coinage in the imperial period between Augustus and Gallien.