The Numismatic Materials from the Excavations of the so-called ‘Forum Complex’ of Augusta Traiana-Beroe (Preliminary report)
The Numismatic Materials from the Excavations of the so-called ‘Forum Complex’ of Augusta Traiana-Beroe (Preliminary report)

Summary/Abstract: The article represents for the first time the whole numismatic material(coins and seals), found occasionally and mostly during the regular archaeological research of the complex of the so-called Forum of Augusta Traiana - Beroe, situated immediately next to the Southwestern gate of the ancient city. Chronologically the coins are related to four groups: pre-Roman, Roman, Early Byzantine and medieval ones. The earliest two coins, of Philip II Macedonian and Seuthes III, are not connected with any archaeological structures. Such early coins have been discovered too in the other parts of the city, but the earlier layers are also missing there. The Roman and the Early Byzantine coins from the complex illustrate the coin circulation, which is similar to the one known in the other parts of the city. Two coins unearthed during the drilling under the bronze equestrian statue of an emperor in this piazza are of great interest. They belong to Constantine I and Constantius II and provide the terminus post quem for the erection of the statue of emperor from the Constantinian dynasty.The coin circulation in Beroe has ceased after 615 linked with the invasions of the Avars and it was restored only in the beginning of the 10th century. In the late period houses have been built in the same area, which according to the numismatic material covers the period between the 10th – 13th centuries. The numismatic data also reflect the crossing of the Third Crusade in the Balkans, lead by Frederick I in the years 1189-1191, these events fixed by a coin of Bella III (1172-1196). The plumb seal of Nikephoros of Kontostephani, the son-in-law of Alexios III Comnenos (1195-1203), reveals the presence in Beroe of a representative of this family. This is a proof that during the period of the Comnenos dynasty the rulers themselves or their relatives have sojourned in Beroe.

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