9 August 2024
Archaeologists have uncovered a pot of gold coins in the ancient Greek city of Notion, located in present-day western Turkey. This discovery, made during an excavation led by Dr. Christopher Ratté from the University of Michigan, dates back to the fifth century BC. The coins, known as Persian darics, were found buried beneath the floor of a courtyard house and are believed to have been the life savings of a Greek mercenary. The site, which includes typical features of an ancient Greek city, offers insights into the historical conflicts between Greek and Persian forces. The controlled excavation of this rare find provides valuable context for understanding the chronology of Achaemenid gold coinage and the socio-political landscape of the era