The numismatic evidence on the Roman harbour of Patrai
Part of : Τεκμήρια ; Vol.12, 2014, pages 99-120
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Pages:
99-120
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Articles
Abstract:
Patrae held a favourable position along the itinerary joining the Italian coasts withthe Aegean and the Orient markets, controlling the northern Peloponnesiancoastline and the routes in the Aetolia and Locris. The installations of the city’simportant roman harbour, almost totally destroyed by the modern city’s expansion, can be attested in the numismatic evidence, offered by the issues dated to thereign of Commodus and Geta. The rendering of the coins of Commodus is realisticand detailed, enabling even the identification of the monuments depicted. Thewhole scene is organized according to well distinctive horizontal and vertical axes,depicting three main buildings, a statue in the middle of the harbour, where twovessels are floating, providing gives an accurate view of the architecturalenvironment of the harbour in a very well-defined frame.The issue of Geta on the other hand display a rather artistic rendering, moreelliptic, although well-confined in clearly divided levels as well, offering a lessimposing view of the harbour than those of Commodus, displaying rather a sceneof everyday life across the sea. Nevertheless, the presence of the temple, possiblyof Poseidon, constitutes a very important and constant point of reference for thecity and its harbour, while other constructions in its vicinity contribute to arealistic view of the port as well as of the neighbouring areas. Two merchant shipsare shown sailing in the basin of the harbour, at the front level.Few Greek cities depict their harbours on their coins, most of them located in theregion of the Peloponnese and dated to the Antonine and the Severi period. In allcases, the engraver aimed to recreate the impression given to the traveller whenentering the harbour and to render its view surrounded by monumental buildingsand temples. These issues effectively reflect the imperial policy of the period as wellasrenewed pride of the coastal citiesin their geographic and economic position.
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