bpv_591871 - SYRIA - ROMAN PROVINCE - GAIUS JULIUS CAESAR / SEXTUS JULIUS CAESAR Tétradrachme syro-phénicien

SYRIA - ROMAN PROVINCE - GAIUS JULIUS CAESAR / SEXTUS JULIUS CAESAR

(47-46 BC)

Caesar gave the city of Antioch, which had supported him, the Libertas after the battle of Pharsalus, June 6, 48, when he defeated Pompey. He remained in Antioch for nine days, on his way to the war against Pharnaces and on this occasion changed the calendar of the city, passing from the Pompeian calendar to the Caesarean era. During this short stay he dedicated many public buildings including a Caesareum, a basilica containing a statue of himself and of the Tyche of Rome, a pantheon, a new theatre, one of the most successful amphitheaters in the world, a aqueduct and a public bath. Thus, romanization was carried out on a large scale. Caesar left responsibility for Syria to Sextus Julius Caesar, cousin and friend, quaestor in charge of one of the Syrian legions, when he left in the spring of 47.