How to Integrate an Emperor: The Representation, Perception, and Inclusion of the Roman Authority in the Collective Identity of the Cities in Asia Minor. Case Study Miletus – a Numismatic Approach

The establishment of the Roman Principate by Augustus in 27 BC had significant consequences for the Greek cities in Asia Minor. As Rome expanded its administrative authority over the provincial cities, it left its mark on their political, religious, and material culture. One way the changing representation and perception of the imperial family and Roman institutions and their integration into local identity can be traced is through coinage: the coins minted by the Greek cities are official documents and thus the images and text imprinted on them conveys a symbolic message. Taking the city of Miletus as a case study, this thesis compiles a survey of the local bronze coinage of the imperial period in order to identify what strategies were used to address the role of the emperor. It examines how coinage was important in the self-representation of Miletus and how the city incorporated its identification with Roman authorities in(to) its coinage, and compares this practice with other provincial cities.

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