Roman Provincial
Bithynia, Nicaea, Gordian III (238-244), AE, Nicaea mint
Obverse: radiate bust right
M ANT ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC AVΓ
Reverse: three standards
NIKAIEΩN
Diameter 20 mm, weight 3.68 g
Bithynia is a mountainous but fertile land on the Black Sea in the north-west of Asia Minor. An independent kingdom was established there in 297 BC. Gradually dependent on Rome, it was transformed into its province. The city of Nicaea lay on the shores of a lake, about 40 km from the coast of Propontis. It was founded by the Thracians in the 7th century BC. Originally called Ancore, Antigonos demolished the city in 316 BC and called them Antigoneia. Once again he changed his name to Lysimachus, naming it after his wife Nikai.
