Neocaesarea is a city in Pontus, which was originally known as Cabira before being conquered by the Romans after the battle of Cabira in 72 BC.
Niksar was called Diospolis, Sebaste, and Neokaisareia during the Roman period. Pompey made it a city and gave it the name of Diopolis, while Pythodoris, widow of Polemon, made it her capital and called it Sebaste. It is not known precisely when it assumed the name of Neokaisareia, but judging from its coins, one might suppose that it was during the reign of Tiberius.
During the Middle Ages, the Muslims and Christians disputed the possession of Neokaisareia, and in 1068 a Seljuk general, Melik-Ghazi, whose tomb is still visible, captured and pillaged it. When the Seljuqs raided Anatolia in 1067, Neocæsarea was conquered by Afşın Bey, one of the commanders of Alp Arslan. The Byzantines retook the area in 1068. Conquered by Artuk Bey after the Battle of Manzikert, Neocæsarea once again returned to Byzantium in 1073.
Niksar was called Diospolis, Sebaste, and Neokaisareia during the Roman period. Pompey made it a city and gave it the name of Diopolis, while Pythodoris, widow of Polemon, made it her capital and called it Sebaste. It is not known precisely when it assumed the name of Neokaisareia, but judging from its coins, one might suppose that it was during the reign of Tiberius.
During the Middle Ages, the Muslims and Christians disputed the possession of Neokaisareia, and in 1068 a Seljuk general, Melik-Ghazi, whose tomb is still visible, captured and pillaged it. When the Seljuqs raided Anatolia in 1067, Neocæsarea was conquered by Afşın Bey, one of the commanders of Alp Arslan. The Byzantines retook the area in 1068. Conquered by Artuk Bey after the Battle of Manzikert, Neocæsarea once again returned to Byzantium in 1073.
Modern location: Niksar, Turkey
(1)
Gordian III
An
AE
unit
struck 241-242 AD
in
Neocaesarea
Obverse: laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right from behind; AV K M ANT ΓOPΔIANOC CEB
Reverse: Agnostic table with Agnostic crown on top, palm below; KOI ΠONT (MH)__NEOKAICAPI / A / ET PON
Diameter:
27 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 14.6 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 14.6 g
No notes for this coin
Çizmeli 356; RPC 57 b; SNG Paris 1756.