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© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
Coin: Obverse: Heads of Augustus and Son Agrippa with Inscription: IMP(erator), Reverse: Ear of Barley with Inscription: COL(onia) NEM(ausis)
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
ClassificationsAncient Near Eastern Art

Coin: Obverse: Heads of Augustus and Son Agrippa with Inscription: IMP(erator), Reverse: Ear of Barley with Inscription: COL(onia) NEM(ausis)

AAT Object Techniqueunderwater archaeology
AAT Object Form/Functioncoins (money)
Place ExcavatedCaesarea, Israel, Asia
CultureRoman
PeriodRoman Period, Reign of Augustus
Date20 BCE
MediumBronze
Credit LineLink Marine Expedition, 1960
Dimensions7/8 in. (2.2 cm)
Object number1960.056
Label TextStrategically located on the Syro-Palestinian coast, Caesarea (in modern day Israel) has a history of active trade since 3000 B.C. In 10 B.C., Herod the Great built a new harbor-city on this site in honor of the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus who gave his name to this city. As the capital of Roman Palestine, Caesarea rivaled Jerusalem in importance and splendor. Due to changes in the water level of the Mediterranean Sea, structures of the ancient harbor had been covered by water for centuries. The objects on display were recovered from the submerged harbor and surrounding waters during the Link expedition to Caesarea and the Sea of Galilee of 1960. During this expedition, Emory Professor Immanuel Ben Dor and Atlanta Artist George Beattie accompanied Edwin A. Link, a brilliant inventor, who designed innovative underwater exploration vessels. His ship, the Sea Diver II, was equipped with metal detectors, electronic probes, and an underwater capsule, enabling prolonged diving periods at a depth of up to 400 feet.
ProvenanceExcavated by Link Marine Expedition, Israel, 1960.
Status
Not on view
Collections
  • Ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern Art