Monete in contesto dall’Acropoli di Gela : (scavi 1952–1953, 1955, 1961)

Abstract

This work examines the monetary finds from the Acropolis of Gela during the excavations of 1952–1953, 1955 and 1961. It is possible to reconstruct the contexts of discovery for 106 specimens, which come from the main occupation phases of the site, between the fifth and third centuries BC. By reconstructing the contexts it was possible to establish the nature of the monetary finds (single finds or hoards) and the function of the coins within each context (accidental loss or deliberate deposition). The information drawn from the contextual associations offers the opportunity to outline the structure of circulation on the site, especially in relation to the end of the fifth century BC, and also to make observations about the population of the area between the second half of the fourth and the beginning of the third century BC. In terms of circulation, the best attested period is the end of the fifth century BC, during which the coin finds appear to concentrated in residential areas and the coinage of Akragas appears to play a significant role. This phenomenon appears to continue throughout the fourth century BC. Overall the data suggests that Gela flourished during the fifth century BC and leads us to question the narrative of ‘Timoleon’s revival’ in the fourth century.