Epidamnus-Dyrrachium Coins of the 2nd Century BC: Areas Where They Have Been Discovered
Abstract
The purpose of the research paper is to study the geographical distribution of the coins of Epidamnus-Dyrrachium in the 2nd century BC.
The novelty of the research paper is a comprehensive analysis of the geographical distribution of Epidamnus-Dyrrachium coins from the 2nd century BC using results of modern archaeological excavations and advanced analytical techniques. This study not only maps the widespread distribution of these coins across the Balkans and coastal regions but also examines the economic and geopolitical factors contributing to their prominence.
Conclusions. As a result of the study, the Epidamnus-Dyrrachium coinage of the 2nd century BC was discovered in a larger geographical area than those of the 4th-3rd centuries BC. Silver coins of Epidamnus-Dyrrachium of the 2nd century BC have been discovered in the territories of modern states such as Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Greece, Serbia, Kosovo, and Romania.
The success of the Epidamnus-Dyrrachium coin in this century can be explained by two factors: first, the cause was trade and economy. Epidamnus-Dyrrachium was a commercial city that had a demand/supply for many products and material goods in the markets. Merchants bought and sold various products in the Balkans and Italy for their internal market and for the Illyrian markets. Second, the cause was the war. The amount of coins discovered in this century is considerable, more than in their country of origin. Trade cannot be the only reason for such success. The 2nd century BC was a period of war between the various Balkan kingdoms and the Roman Republic. The coins of Epidamnus-Dyrrachium were used to pay mercenary soldiers and to bribe different leaders from different Balkan territories.
Further research in this area should focus on conducting more extensive and systematic archaeological excavations in regions such as Kosovo, Montenegro, Greece, and North Macedonia. These areas have significant potential for the discovery of new coin finds that could provide a more complete understanding of the spatial distribution and economic impact of Epidamnus-Dyrrachium coins in the 2nd century BC. By expanding the geographical scope of archaeological research, researchers can fill in existing data gaps and gain a clearer picture of ancient trade networks and economic interactions.
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