The Foundation Scene on Roman Colonial Coins from the Near East in the 3rd Century CE

One of the most common iconographic motifs Roman colonial coinage is ‘foundation scene’. Colonies modelled on Rome were established according to aratrum ritual, in imitation manner which, myths, Romulus founded Rome. Veteran colonies, between 1st century BCE and 2nd CE, gladly exploited that motif commemorate foundation manifest their bond with However, colonies set up under Septimius Severus later considered as purely titular foundations. Nevertheless, they also occasionally presented scene civic coins. If not colonists, question arises message such coins conveyed. In this paper, author makes an attempt examine from Near East 3rd CE. The concepts veteran are contrasted. It a noteworthy while northern Syria Mesopotamia (except Rhesaena) never introduced coinages, southern Philippopolis) proudly manifested connections Eventually, disappeared mid-3rd century.