Miletopolis (BC 100-AD 100) AE 22

Axiochos, 1st century BC-1st century AD. AE22 (7.04g, 1h). O DHMOC AXIOXO[N], laureate head right; two owl countermarks / [MIL]HTOPOLIT[WN], helmeted head of Athena right. Coin: VF, dark brown patina, an area of minor roughness; c/m's: Good VF.

While the portrayal on the obverse may be the individual Axiochus or the Demos of Miletopolis, the obverse inscription makes it clear that this coin was struck to honor one of that city’s benefactors. By following Greek epigraphic convention, the name of the dedicatee (AXIOCON) is placed in the accusative case, while the verb is not indicated, but implied: “The Demos honors Axiochus.” Just who this Axiochus was remains a mystery. The name is known in the Greek world (a dialogue of the same name ascribed to Plato is known), and several Romanized Axiochi are attested in inscriptions and graffiti (cf. CIL VI.13.19 - Sex. Pompeius Axiochus). Axiochus was likely one of the numerous euergetai, or benefactors of the Roman Empire: wealthy individuals who supported public projects, or liturgies, in their hometowns. They alleviated the burden of the imperial treasury, while at the same time improving their standing.