Canusium was an important Greek city in Italy, and an important commercial center for craftsman, especially of ceramics and pottery. It first appears in the historical record as an ally of the Samnites in their wars against Rome but was either subdued or voluntarily switched sides in 318 BC, after which it served as a Roman ally.
Following Hannibal's 216 BC victory over the consuls Paullus and Varro at nearby Cannae, Canosa protected the fleeing remnants of the Roman army within its walls. In the second year of the Social War, it joined the rebels and successfully resisted a Roman siege. During that conflict or the civil wars that followed, it seems to have suffered greatly and been much reduced in size.
The city flourished in the early medieval period, when it became known as the "city of bishops". Some of its bishops are known from the 4th century. Bishop Stercorius took part in the 343 Council of Sardica, and Bishop Probus intervened decisively against a Spanish bishop who wanted to name his own successor in a council convoked at Rome by Pope Hilarius in 465.
Following Hannibal's 216 BC victory over the consuls Paullus and Varro at nearby Cannae, Canosa protected the fleeing remnants of the Roman army within its walls. In the second year of the Social War, it joined the rebels and successfully resisted a Roman siege. During that conflict or the civil wars that followed, it seems to have suffered greatly and been much reduced in size.
The city flourished in the early medieval period, when it became known as the "city of bishops". Some of its bishops are known from the 4th century. Bishop Stercorius took part in the 343 Council of Sardica, and Bishop Probus intervened decisively against a Spanish bishop who wanted to name his own successor in a council convoked at Rome by Pope Hilarius in 465.
Modern location: Canosa di Puglia
Obverse: laureate head of Janus; ― / CA
Reverse: prow of galley right, fighting platform decorated with club; I / CA / ROMA
Diameter:
25 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 10.27 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 10.27 g
Canusium emergency issue
doublestrike
Crawford 100/1c; Sydenham 309a