v43_0151 - PONTO - PRUSIAS AD MARE Unité, (MB, Æ 24)

PONTUS - PRUSIAS AD MARE

(2nd - 1st century BC)

The city of Cius had been founded according to mythology at the time of the expedition of the Argonauts. The city was completely destroyed by Philip V of Macedonia in 202 BC. Its territory was then offered to Prusias I, who gave it his name and the epithet (ad Mare) to distinguish it from its namesake Hypius. She then followed the destiny of the kingdom of Bithynia. In 72 BC, during the third war against Mithridates VI of Pontus, the city opened its doors to Roman generals and was declared a free city (civita libera). The city resumed its initial name under the reign of Claude.