v49_0263 - CARIA - ISLANDS OF CARIA - COS Unité, (PB, Æ 20)

CARIA - ISLANDS OF CARIA - COS

(2nd - 1st century BC)

The Isle of Cos northwest of Cnidus was a Dorian colony, originating from Epidaurus. The cult of Asklépios (Esculapius) was very important there. The Hippocratic school of medicine had a very high reputation. In 88 BC, Cos welcomed the Romans and Italians pursued by Mithridates VI of Pontus. However, the island opened its port to the Pontic fleet. After the war, the city was occupied by the Romans before recovering its status as a free city. During the civil wars, its port served as a base for the fleets of Cassius in 42 BC and Marc Antony in 31 BC. Augustus incorporated the island into the province of Asia and submitted it to the tribute.