From the reorganisation of Pompey up to the reign of Augustus: what can coinage contribute to our understanding of client kingdoms in central Asia Minor during the Late Hellenistic period?

Miebach, D

Thesis

From the reorganisation of Pompey up to the reign of Augustus: what can coinage contribute to our understanding of client kingdoms in central Asia Minor during the Late Hellenistic period?

Abstract:: This thesis examines the numismatic evidence of the ‘Roman client kingdoms’ of Galatia, Paphlagonia, Cilicia and Cappadocia during the Late Hellenistic period in central Asia Minor. The coins were catalogued by type to allow for an iconographic study and subsequent die analysis. The latter forms the basis for the quantification of coin production for each kingdom based on the formulae of Esty 2011 and Carter 1983. The numismatic evidence is then analysed through a multi-perspective approach, focusing on local/cultural characteristics, geography, history, economic aspects and contemporary politics and supplemented by archaeological and literary evidence.

The results show that the coin output of many kings under consideration is comparable to that of contemporary kingdoms and civic mints in Asia Minor. The Cappadocian coins, however, show an unprecedented peak in their level of drachm production. The dates of the Cappadocian coins correspond closely to Roman military activity and were likely minted by the client kings to meet Roman expenses. The kingdoms also developed more diverse and individualised portraits of their rulers. In the case of Galatia, ruler portraiture was avoided altogether. This individuality is also reflected in local and cultural symbols on a kingdom’s iconography, as well as the use of local eras in each of the kingdoms. All of these factors help to define a kingdom’s own identity through its coinage. Roman influence becomes visible in subtle changes to the coin designs, adjustments to the denominational standards and in the choice of the epithets Philorhomaios (= friend of the Romans) and Philantonios (= friend of Antonius).

This thesis contributes to the current scholarship by developing die studies and detailed analysis of the coinage of Galatia, Paphlagonia, Cilicia and Cappadocia. It helps clarify the chronology of coin issues and reign dates and provides an estimate of their individual coin output. The coins under discussion retain many of their Greek Hellenistic iconographic designs, but Roman influence becomes increasingly visible in portraiture, epithets and a new scale of production.

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APA Style

Miebach, D. (2026). From the reorganisation of Pompey up to the reign of Augustus: what can coinage contribute to our understanding of client kingdoms in central Asia Minor during the Late Hellenistic period? [PhD thesis]. University of Oxford.

MLA Style

Miebach, D. From the Reorganisation of Pompey up to the Reign of Augustus: What Can Coinage Contribute to Our Understanding of Client Kingdoms in Central Asia Minor during the Late Hellenistic Period? 2026. University of Oxford, PhD thesis.

Chicago Style

Miebach, D. 2026. “From the Reorganisation of Pompey up to the Reign of Augustus: What Can Coinage Contribute to Our Understanding of Client Kingdoms in Central Asia Minor during the Late Hellenistic Period?” PhD thesis, University of Oxford.
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