Architectural Types

Various Architectural Types of Interest

The following page is dedicated to various architectural types. These images are often artistic and symbolic renderings of existing temples and other structures. In some instances, they represent the only physical evidence of ancient buildings referenced in the writings and stories from antiquity.

CILICIA, Anazarbus. Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. Æ Hexassarion (35mm, 26.40 g, 6h). Dated CY 248 (AD 229/30). Obv: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust r. Rev: Two tetrastyle temples, seen in perspective; ЄT HMC (date) in exergue. Ref: Ziegler 542.4 = RPC VI 7339.14 (this coin); SNG Levante 1461 (same obv. die). ex W. Toliver Besson Collection (CNGe475, 26 Aug 2020), lot 474; London Coin Galleries 3 (10 Nov 2016), lot 102; Münzen und Medaillen AG 41 (18 June 1970), lot 548. (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Anazarbus. 198-217 AD. AE 36mm (22.27g). Dated CY 218 (199-200 AD). Temple. cf 288 for Sept Sev in Ziegler; UISC see CNG 395 lot 290; ex. Vosson (2024) Author's collection

CILICIA, Aegeae Valerian I, 253-260 AD; CY 300 = 253/4 Æ Tetrassarion 31mm, 19.17g, 7h Obv: ΑΥ ΚΑΙ ΠΟΥ ΛΙΚI ΟΥΑΛЄΡΙΑΝΟC CЄΒ Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian I to right, seen from behind; to right, serpent-entwined staff. Rev: ΑΙΓΑΙⲰΝ ΝΕⲰ NAYAPXIΔOC / T (date) Emperor standing front, head to left, sacrificing out of patera over lighted altar with his right hand and holding serpent-entwined staff in his left; to left, distyle temple seen in perspective. Ref: BMC 39. Haymann 240a. RPC X online ID 60662 (this coin illustrated); SNG Levante 1801 ex. MST Collection of architectural Roman Provincial coins; Leu 34, lot 1432 (Jul 2025) (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Seleucia ad Calycadnum. Severus Alexander. 222-235 AD. Æ 29mm (11.63 gm, 6h). Obv.: Rad. bust of emp., r. ΑΥΚΜΑΥΡCΕΟΥΗΡ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟC Δ Κ countermarks Rev.: Distyle shrine with city-goddess, river god below CΕΛΕΥΚΕΩΝΚΑΛΥΚ Ref: SNG Levante supl 196 (this coin) CNG 69 lot 1120 (2005) Author's collection

CILICIA, Anazarbus. Marcus Aurelius 161-180 AD. 24mm, 11.49g Obv: emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus standing, facing each other, clasping hands, both wearing toga and holding scroll, ϹΕΒΑϹ ΑΝΤΩΝ(Ε)ΙΝΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΟΥΗΡ ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑ; Rev: Decastyle temple, ΚΑΙ ΤΩΝ ΠΡΟϹ ΤΩ ΑΝΑΖΑΡ(Β) ΕΤ ΒΠΡ. Ref: Ziegler 185 ex. Numismatik Lanz 117, lot 789 (Oct 2003) (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Anazarbus. Julia Mamaea. Augusta, AD 222-235. Æ Tetrassarion (24mm, 11.71 g, 12h). Dated CY 249 (AD 230-1). Obv: Empress facing right, ΙΟΥΛΙΑ ΜΑΜΕΑ (or ΜΑΜΑΙΑ) ϹΕ(ΒΑ); Rev: Octastyle temple, ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ (ΜΗΤΡΟ) Γ Β ΕΤ ΘΜϹ; Ref: SNG Levante 1478; RPC VI, 7395 (this coin imaged); ex Righetti collection, ex. CNG 530, lot 514 (Jan 2023) (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Anazarbus. Severus Alexander 222 – 235 AD Æ 32mm, 25.11g Obv.: Laur. bust of emp., r. ΑΥΤΚΑΜΑΥΡCΕΟΥ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟC Rev.: Aqueduct or archway ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ. Ref: SNG Levante 1450 (this coin); CNG 121, Lot 129 (Aug 2005) Author's collection

Anazarbus triumphal arches

CILICIA, Anazarbus. Trajan Decius 249-251 AD. Æ Hexasarrion 34mm, 20.78g, 12h. Dated CY 268 (AD 249/50). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Pentastyle temple seen from front, flanked by two tetrastyle temples seen in perspective; ЄT HΞC (date) in exergue. Ziegler 752 (Vs2/Rs2); RPC IX 1468; SNG BN –; SNG Levante –. ex. CNG 585 lot 409 (2025) (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Anazarbus. Germanicus under the reign of Claudius 41-54 AD Æ 30mm, 16.90g Year 67 = 48/9 A.D. Obv.: Bare hd. bust of emp. r. ΓΕΡΜΑΝΙΚΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ Rev.: Bust of Zeus Olybris in front of mountain with acropolis, ΚΑΙϹΑΡΕΩΝ ΤΩΝ ΠΡΟϹ ΤΩ ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΩ, ΕΤΟΥϹ ΖΞ (in field) Ref: RPC I, 4060; SNG Levante 1366; Ziegler 35.1-43.1; ex. Gorny & Mosch (2003; lot 1809); Gorny & Mosch (2002, lot 1391) (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Anazarbus Germanicus, Caesar, 15 BC-AD 19. Æ Tetrassarion 29 mm, 17.81g, 12h, Anazarbus, CY 67 = 48/49. Obv: ΓЄPMANIKOC KAICAP Bare head of Germanicus to right. Rev: ΚΑΙCΑΡΕⲰΝ ΤⲰΝ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΩ ΑΝΑZΑΡΒⲰ / ΕΤΟΥC ZΞ Laureate head of Zeus before the Akropolis of the city. Ref: Price & Trell 621 and fig. 516. RPC I 4060. SNG Levante 1366. Ziegler 35-43; ex. MST Collection of architectural Roman Provincial coins; Leu 34, lot 1434 (Jul 2025) (Author's collection)

Remains of the Citadel on the Acropolis of Anazarbus

CILICIA, Anazarbus Trajan 98-110 AD. AE 20mm; 7.17g; 12h Obv: Laureate bust of emperor, facing right, ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ ΓΕΡ ΔΑ Rev: laureate bust of Zeus, right before Anazarbos crag surmounted by Acropolis; above, ΚΑΙϹΑΡΕΩΝ ΠΡ ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΩ ΕΤ ϚΚΡ. REf: SNG Levante 1377; ex. Martina Dierterle (2010) (Author's collection)

Remains of the Citadel on the Acropolis of Anazarbus imaged on the coins above

CILICIA, Diocaesrea. Otacilia Severa 244 – 249 A.D. Æ 32mm, 11.91g Obv.: Diad. drap. bust, right ΩΤΑΚΙΛCΕΥΗΡΑΝΕΥCCΕΒ Rev.: Arched gateway surmounted by 4 statues ΑΔΡ(Ι)(ΑΝΩΝ) ΔΙΟΚΑΙ(ϹΑΡΕΩΝ) Μ(ΗΤΡ) ΚΕΝ(Ν)(Α), Ref: Levante 679 (this coin); ex. CNG 90, 26 May 2004, lot 195 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Diocaesarea. Otacilia Severa 244-249 AD Æ 28mm, 13.67g Obv: Diademed, draped bust right, ΩΤΑΚΙΛ ϹƐΥΗΡΑΝ ƐΥϹ ϹƐΒ Rev: Triumphal arch; internal shelves supporting bust and figure; four figures along top, ΑΔΡΙΑΝΩΝ ΔΙΟΚΑΙϹΑΡƐΩΝ ΜΗΤΡ ΚƐΝΝΑ Ref: SNG Levante Supp. 180; SNG France 8856 (Author's collection)

Image of the Archway to Dioceasarea in Cilicia

CILICIA, Olba Pseudo-autonomous issue, time of Vespasian, 69-79 AD Æ 18 mm, 3.86g, 7h Obv: Club tied with fillet. Rev: ΟΛΒΕ/ΩΝ Tall crenellated tower Ref: RPC II 1721A. SNG Levante 646 Staffieri 40; ex. Staffieri Collection, ex Van der Dussen 23, April 1995 #560 Nomos 27 #499 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Isaura Caracalla 197-217 AD Æ 27mm, 9.15g Obv: AV K M AV ANTΩNЄINOC. Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Rev: MHTPOΠOΛЄΩC ICAVPΩN. Tetrastyle temple containing bust (of Zeus?) right on column. Ref: SNG Levante 263; SNG BN 497 ex. Rex 16, 316 (Jan 2025) (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Aigeai Valerian I 253-260 AD CY 14=AD 253/254 Æ 25mm, 8.65 g Obv: AY KA ΠOY ΛIK OYAΛЄPIANOC CB, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right Rev: AIΓAIωN NЄ[ωKOPO] / ЄT T, eagle with spread wings standing in distyle temple. Ref: SNG Paris 2386. ex Leu Numismatik 3, Lot 631 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Anemurion. Marcus Aurelius & Lucius Verus 161 – 180 A.D. Æ 31mm, Obv.: laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of M. Aurelius, seen from rear, looking right facing laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of L. Verus, seen from rear, looking left, ΑΥ Κ Μ ΑΥΡ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕ ΚΑΙ ΛΟ ΑΥΡ ΟΥΗΡΟϹ ϹΕ Rev.: Tyche standing facing, wearing kalathos, head left, holding rudder and cornucopia, within distyle shrine, ΑΝΕΜΟΥΡΙΕωΝ ΕΤ Ζ Ref: RPC IV.3, 25221 (1 of 2 known); ex. Akropolis coins (2005) (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Diocaesarea. Septimius Severus 193 - 211 A.D. Æ 29mm, 18.40g, Obv.: laureate head of Septimius Severus, right, ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙϹ Λ ϹΕΠΤΙ ϹΕΟΥΗΡΟϹ ΠΕΡ ϹΕΒ Rev.: temple with six columns, with statue of Nike on each side and another on top, enclosing thunderbolt (sometimes on throne); at left, tree on altar, ΑΔΡ ΔΙΟΚΑΙϹΑΡΕωΝ Ref: Levante Suppl. 178 Howgego marks 469 / 337 (Author's collection)

Remains of the Temple of Zeus at Diocaesarea in Cilicia (as imaged on coin above)

Cilicia, Elaiussa-Sebaste, Tranquillina (241-244 AD), AE 33.7 mm, 20.89g. Obv: diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina, right, ϹΑΒΙΝΙΑ ΤΡΑΝΚΥΛΛΙΝΑ ΑΥΓ, Rev: shrine with arched pediment and two columns enclosing cult statue of Artemis on globe, ϹΕΒΑϹΤΗ ΙΕΡΑ ΑΥΤΟ ΝΑΥΑΡΧΙϹ. RefL Ziegler 574 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Antoninus Pius 138 – 161 AD Æ 31mm, 18.95g Obv.: Laur., drap., cuir. bust, right, ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΙ ΑΙ ΑΔΡ(Ι) ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΕΥ Π Π Rev.: Decastyle temple with wreath in pediment, on architrave ΑΔΡΙΑΝΩΝ ΤΑΡϹΕΩΝ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΕΩϹ (around), ΚΟΙΝΟϹ ΚΙΛΙΚΙΑϹ (on architrave) Ref: Levante 1014 (this coin) CNG 66, Lot 1177 (May, 2004) Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Antoninus Pius, 138-161 AD. Tetrassarion 25 mm, 15.10 g, 12 h. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΙ ΑΙ ΑΔΡ[ΙΑ] ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟС СЄΒ ЄY / Π - Π Laureate head of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. AΔPIANΩN TAPCЄΩN / MHTPOΠOΛЄ/ΩC Decastyle temple with ΚΟΙΝΟC ΚΙΛΙΚΙΑC on architrave. SNG Paris 1447 (Author's collection)

EGYPT, Alexandria Domitian 81-96 AD Æ Hemidrachm (28mm, 16.38-42g, 12h) Dated RY 11 (AD 91/92). Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹAP-ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹЄΒ ΓЄΡΜ, laureate bust of Domitian right, aegis on left shoulder Rev: Pharos of Alexandria; L IA (date) Ref: Dattari 549; Kampmann/Ganschow 24.142; RPC 2617; Emmett 273; BMC 343; ex. Dix Noonan Webb 169, 12 Feb. 2020, lot 801 (Author's Collection)

EGYPT, Alexandria Hadrian (117-138 AD); Dated RY 11 (126/7) Æ Hemidrachm 29mm, 13.81g Obv: ΑVΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ СЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right Rev: L ΕΝΔΕΚΑΤΟV; Pharos surmounted by two Tritons, each with trumpet, and lantern, atop which is a statue facing slightly left, with situla and sceptre. Ref: RPC III 5673; Dattari (Savio) 7856; K&G 32.423.; Naumann 78, 2 June 2019, lot 685 (Author's collectioin)

Graphic representation of the Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria

Light House of Alexandria by Abu Hamid Al-Gharnati ca 1183 AD

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Emesa . Caracalla 198-217 AD Æ 30mm, 12h. Dated SE 528 (AD 216/7) Obv: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind Rev: Baetyl of El-Gabal, flanked by parasols, within hexastyle temple; crescent in pediment, HKΦ (date) in exergue. Ref: BMC 16 (Author's collection)

JUDAEA, Gaza Faustina II Augusta 147-175 AD Æ 27mm 16.23g Dated CY 235 (AD 174/5) Obv: Drap. bust of empress r. Rev: Artemis, holding bow, and Marnas, holding thunderbolt, standing vis-à-vis; Marnas symbol between; all within distyle temple Ref: Rosenberger 110; SNG ANS 935 var. (dated CY 238). (Author's collection)

PHOENICIA, Tripolis Julia Domna 193-217 AD Æ 28mm, 15.17g Obv: ΙΟΥΛΙΑ ΔΟΜΝΑ CE – draped bust right Rev: Tetrastyle temple of Zeus Hagios with gateway, [ΔΙΟΣ ΑΓΙΟΥ TPIΠOΛEITΩN]? unclear legend, ᴦKF (date=212) Ref: Unlisted, see Price - Trell 134. Pl. 32, fig. 238. BMC 79 (Caracalla) (Author's collection)

DECAPOLIS. Gadara. Commodus AD 177-192. Struck circa AD 177-180 Æ 28 mm, 14,05 g ΑΥΤ Κ Λ ΑΥΡ ΚΟΜΜΟΔΟΝ, laureate head of Commodus right / ΠΟ ΓΑΔ ΙE ΑϹ Α Γ Κ Ϲ ΓΜϹ (date in pediment), temple with four columns enclosing statue of Zeus seated, left, holding uncertain object (Nike or short filleted staff?) and long sceptre. Ref: Spijkerman 61; RPC Online 6684. ex. Tareq Hani collection (Author's collection)

PAPHLAGONIA, Sinope Augustus, 27 BC - 14 AD Æ 22mm, 8.3g Obv: C I F AN XXII Bare head of Augustus to right. (year 51) c(olonia) I(ulia) F(elix) an(no) LI Rev.: EX D D, Altar ex d(ecreto) d(ecurionum) Ref: RPC I, 2124 (this coin imaged on-line); Rec 90a = 91, FITA 253 (17); ex. Bay Numis. EA 4 (Jul 2024), lot 266 (Author's collection)

BITHYNIA. Nicaea. Macrianus (Usurper, 260-261). Æ 25mm, 7.26g City walls in octagon. SNG Copenhagen 543; SNG von Aulock 733 Obv: TI ΦOVΛ IOV MAKPIANOC CEB. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: NIKAIEΩN. View of city walls in shape of octagon, seen from aerial perspective; arched central gateways above and below. RG 867; SNG Copenhagen 543; SNG von Aulock 733; BMC 157 (Author's collection)

CYPRUS, Paphos Septimius Severus 193-211 AD Æ Tetrassarion 29mm, 19.07g, 12h Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ•ΚΑΙC•CЄΠ•CЄΟYΗΡΟC Laureate, draped/cuirassed bust of Emp. Rev: KOINON KYΠPIΩN Conical cult xoanon of the Aphrodite of Paphos within central distyle tower; distyle porticoes flanking, each containing candelabra and dove sitting above; the entire structure set on low basis; semi-circular forecourt; star inside crescent above. Ref: BMC 55; SNG Copenhagen 89 ex. Leu 10 lot 896 (2019) (Author's collection)

IONIA, Ephesus. Claudius (41-54 AD). AR Cistophorus, 26mm, 10.88g Ephesus mint. Struck circa AD 41-42. Bare head left / DIAN EPHE across field, temple of Diana Ephesia: cult statue of Diana of Ephesus within tetrastyle temple, pediment decorated with figures flanking a central table with disk above, two tables and recumbent figures in angles. RIC I 118; RPC I 2222; RSC 30 (Author's collection)

JUDAEA, Roman Administration. Diva Poppaea and Diva Claudia. Died 65 CE and 63 CE, respectively. Æ 18mm. Caesarea Panias mint. Struck 65-68 CE. Distyle temple set upon high podium, containing statue of Diva Poppaea seated left / Hexastyle temple set upon high podium, containing statue of Diva Claudia left on basis. Meshorer 354; Hendin 1270; Sofaer 87; RPC I 4846 ex. Sasson family (Jerusalem) since 1925 (Author's collection)(Author's collection)

Domitian 81-96 AD (ca. 82 AD). Rome, for circulation in Asia Minor AR Cistophorus (25 mm, 10.87 g, 6 h), Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS P M COS VIII• Laur. head of Domitian to right. Rev: CA-PIT / RESTIT Tetrastyle Capitoline Temple, on podium of four steps; in center, Jupiter seated facing, holding scepter in his left hand; to left and right, Juno and Minerva standing facing, each holding scepter in her left hand; in pediment, anguipede monster; on roof, facing quadriga in center and bigae on corners. Ref: BMC 251. RIC 842. RPC II 864. ex Leu 20, #2417 (July 2022); ex. Chaponnière & Firmenich 13, #494 (May 2021); Glendining, 86 (Sept 1975) (Author's collection)

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Hadrian. 117-138 CE. Æ (26.5mm, 18.94 g, 11h). Laureate and draped bust right, seen from behind / The Capitoline Triad: Zeus, holding scepter, seated left between Athena standing right, holding spear, and Hera standing left, holding scepter; all within distyle temple. Meshorer, Aelia 1; Kadman, Aelia 3; RPC III 3963; Rosenberger 2; Sofaer 1. ex. Gil Steinberg Collection, purchased from Bowers & Ruddy Galleries, 13 January 1981 (Author's collection)

IONIA. Ephesus. Hadrian, 117-138. Pentassarion (Bronze, 34 mm, 23.92 g, 6 h), circa 130-138. AΔPIANOC KAICAP OΛYMΠIOC Laureate and cuirassed bust of Hadrian to right, wearing aegis on left shoulder. Rev. EΦECIΩN Tetrastyle temple with Ionian capitals standing facing on two steps, enclosing cult statue of Diana of Ephesus with polos on head and fillets hanging from wrists; pediment decorated with two figures raising their right and left hand toward central disk; in angles, two recumbant figures. RPC III 2073 (Author's collection)

Hadrian 117-138 AD Mint at Nicomedia AR Cistophorus, 24mm, 10.74g, 6h Obv: IMP CAES TRA HADRIANO AVG P P, Laur. draped and cuir. bust Rev: COM - BIT Octostyle temple on podium of three steps and with single pellet in pediment; ROM S P AVG Ref: RPC III online 970B.1 (this coin). ex. Eric ten Brink coll., ex Savoca 29th Silver Auction, 30 December 2018, 193 (Author's collection)

PHRYGIA, Hierapolis Philip I 'the Arab' 244-249 AD Æ 38mm, 21.29g Obv: AVT K M IOV ΦΙΛΛΙΠOC Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; c/m A within wreath within circular incuse. Rev: IЄPAΠOΛЄITΩN; Hexastyle temple, containing facing statue of Apollo, holding lyre, next to tree. Ref: RPC 20711 (8 specimens); SNG von Aulock 3659; Howgego 667 (for c/m) (Author's collection)

Author in Aphrodisias at Tetrapylon entrance. Similar image depicted on coin (right)

CARIA. Aphrodisias. Gordian III (238 - 244). Æ 38mm, 26.83g. Obv: AV K MAP ANT ΓOPΔIANOC CЄB. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: ΑΦΡΟΔΕΙCIEΩΝ. Cult statue of Aphrodite right within tetrastyle temple. Ref: RPC VII 617; MacDonald 179 (O229/R417); SNG von Aulock 2469 From an “old collection of Roman Provincial coins with temples” London coin galleries, 3 #116 (2016); ex. Dr. Reinhard Fischer Auktionen, 158 #571 (2017) (Author's collection)