v51_0216 - CARIA - ALABANDA Drachme

CARIA - ALABANDA

(3rd - 2nd century BC)

Alabanda of Caria was placed on the Marsyas river which then flowed into the Meander about thirty kilometers away. Its inhabitants were renowned for their dissolute morals. During the war against Philip V of Macedon, Alabanda would have allied with Rome. After 197 BC, falling into the hands of Antiochus III the Great (223-187 AC), the city changed its name to Antioch of Caria. After the defeat of Magnesia in 189 BC and the Peace of Apamea the following year, the city regained its independence and its name. It is at this time that the coinage in the name of Alexander would have begun. In 168-167, the cities of the provinces of Caria and Lycia were declared free by the Senate of Rome to thank them for the help given in the fight against the king of Macedonia, Perseus.