bgr_1069797 - KINGDOM OF GALATIA - AMYNTAS Tétradrachme

KINGDOM OF GALATIA - AMYNTAS

(36-25 BC)

Galatia took its name from the Gallic invaders who had devastated Asia Minor at the beginning of the 3rd century BC and who had ended up settling in this semi-desert part of present-day Turkey. It was Pompey who had erected Galatia into a kingdom in 64 BC with Pessinus as its capital. Amyntas, secretary of Deiotaros whom he succeeded in 36 BC, had first served under Cassius and Brutus. Back in favor with Antony, he betrayed the latter on the eve of the battle of Actium and thus retained his title. He found death fighting looters in 25 BC and his kingdom became a Roman province for the benefit of Augustus.