Side
- A settlement in Pamphylia
Side is an ancient Greek city on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
It was founded by Greek settlers from Cyme in Aeolis, a region of western Anatolia. This most likely occurred in the 7th century BC. Its tutelary deity was Athena, whose head adorned its coinage.
Possessing a good harbour for small-craft boats, Side's natural geography made it one of the most important places in Pamphylia and one of the most important trade centres in the region.
In the 1st century BC, Side reached a peak when the Cilician pirates established their chief naval base and a centre for their slave-trade.
The consul Servilius Vatia defeated these brigands in 78 BC and later the Roman general Pompey in 67 BC, bringing Side under the control of Rome and beginning its second period of ascendancy, when it established and maintained a good working relationship with the Roman Empire.
It was founded by Greek settlers from Cyme in Aeolis, a region of western Anatolia. This most likely occurred in the 7th century BC. Its tutelary deity was Athena, whose head adorned its coinage.
Possessing a good harbour for small-craft boats, Side's natural geography made it one of the most important places in Pamphylia and one of the most important trade centres in the region.
In the 1st century BC, Side reached a peak when the Cilician pirates established their chief naval base and a centre for their slave-trade.
The consul Servilius Vatia defeated these brigands in 78 BC and later the Roman general Pompey in 67 BC, bringing Side under the control of Rome and beginning its second period of ascendancy, when it established and maintained a good working relationship with the Roman Empire.
Modern location: Side
(1)
Marcus Aurelius
139-161 AD
Obverse:
bare head right; KAIC__M? AYPHΛIOC
Reverse:
Athena advancing right, holding spear and shield, serpent at foot; CI_ΔH_TωN
(3)
Side
220-190 BC
Obverse:
helmeted head of Athena right; anchor - Seleucid countermark
Reverse:
Niké walkig left with wreath, pomegranate left; KΛE_YX; graffiti: ΔIOΓENOY