SAEDNEWS: “This 'very rare' discovery was used from late 6th century BC until Alexander’s conquest of Persian Empire in 330 BC,” researchers report.
According to SAEDNEWS, A team of archaeologists from the University of Michigan’s Notion Archaeological Project has made a remarkable discovery in western Turkey, unearthing a stash of gold coins dating back to the Persian Empire. The researchers announced their find on Friday, capturing significant interest in the archaeological community.
The coins, which feature a unique design depicting a kneeling archer, reflect artistic styles prevalent during the Persian Empire. These coins were in circulation from the late 6th century BC until the conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, as reported by CBS News.
According to Christopher Ratté, director of the project, the impressive collection was found in a small pot buried beneath a large house in the ancient Greek city of Notion. "Presumably, it was stored there for safekeeping and for some reason never recovered," Ratté shared with CBS News.
While the discovery occurred earlier in 2023, it was kept under wraps until last week, when the team obtained the necessary permissions from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism to make their findings public.
Andrew Meadows, a former curator of coins, emphasized the significance of the discovery, stating, "This is a spectacular find … of the highest importance." The team also uncovered coins from the 5th century BC, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical context and chronology of these artifacts.
Ratté explained that the hoard's discovery could illuminate significant events in Notion's past, especially given the region's history of military activity. "This hoard will provide a firm date that can serve as an anchor to help fix the chronology of the entire sequence of coins," he noted.
The circumstances surrounding the coins' burial suggest that they were likely hidden due to conflict. Ratté pointed out that "no one ever buries a hoard of coins, especially precious metal coins, without intending to retrieve it," indicating that the owners may have experienced grave misfortune that prevented their return.
