The Cappadocian Christmas Tree

[Sebastian]

There is probably no more recognizable symbol of Christmas than the Christmas tree. I remember the first time I saw one of the drachms from provincial Cappadocia – the association was immediate: a Christmas tree! A true one, adorned with a star at the top and beautifully shining. Of course, upon closer examination of the coin, I learned that the "tree" was in fact Mount Argaeus, and the star crowning it symbolized its sacredness. So, let us gather around the sacred Mountain of the Cappadocians. But why sacred? Probably because it is the tallest, towering over the Anatolian plateau, and everything divine was thought to be the greatest and highest. As depicted on the attached coin, reaching up to the stars.

Let us step back several centuries, to Hellenistic times or perhaps even earlier, when Caesarea, located about 25 km from Argaeus, was still known as Mazaka. In The Antiquities of the Jews by Josephus Flavius, we read:

"Of the sons of Japheth, the Moscheni, who descended from Meshech, are now called Cappadocians, though there remains a clear trace of their old name: even today they have a city called Mazaka, whose name clearly shows to those who are curious that the entire people were once called by that name" (Book I, Chapter VI.1).

But who was this mythical Meshech? The Old Testament mentions him in Genesis as the son of Japheth, while the Book of Ezekiel provides more enigmatic and apocalyptic insights, naming him as a people from the north ruled by the devastating and cruel Gog. Another possible etymology for the name Mazaka traces its origin to the Anatolian Mushki people, mentioned in Assyrian writings from the late 12th century BCE. That’s a fair amount of information for such ancient times! Thus, the city of Mazaka was established at the foot of the mighty Argaeus.

The Region and the City

What do we know about this area and the city itself? Greek geographer Strabo lends a hand in Geographica:

"The city of Mazaka is also called 'Eusebeia,' with the additional words 'near Argaeus,' since it is situated below Mount Argaeus, the highest of all mountains, whose summit is always covered in snow. Those who climb it (though they are few) say that in clear weather, both seas can be seen from there, both the Pontus (the Black Sea) and the Issicum (Gulf of Iskenderun – the Mediterranean Sea). Mazaka is generally not naturally suited for a city because it lacks water and is not naturally fortified. Due to the negligence of the prefects, it is also without walls. Furthermore, the surrounding areas are entirely barren and uncultivated, though flat; they are sandy and stony, and farther out volcanic and full of fire pits; therefore, necessities for life must be brought from afar. What seems like an advantage is tied to danger, as nearly all Cappadocia lacks wood, yet forests surround Argaeus. However, in the region below the forests, there are many spots with fires and simultaneously cold underground springs, although neither fire nor water emerges to the surface; thus, much of the land is covered in grass. In some places, the ground is marshy, and at night flames rise from it. The area is dangerous for most people and especially for cattle, as they fall into hidden fire pits" (12.2.7).

Strabo further states:

"However, although Mazaka is unsuitable for habitation in many ways, the kings seemed to have chosen this place because it was located at the center of a region that contained wood and stone for building and also pastures, which, as cattle herders, they needed in great quantities" (12.2.9).

The Unique Environment

Why such prosperity around Mount Argaeus? The mountain rises alone, dominating the surrounding landscape, shaping the microclimate with higher rainfall around its massif. This made the area one of the few forested regions in Cappadocia. These factors may explain why Argaeus had cult significance as early as the Bronze Age (though evidence is scarce). The mountain's sacred status is better understood in the late Hellenistic period and especially during Roman times, when Argaeus became the central deity of Caesarea.

Many scholars see Argaeus as a syncretic god, blending many influences. On one hand, he resembled Zeus – not only as the Lord of the Mountain but also as the supreme and most important deity. Hittite texts inform us that mountain gods, including Argaeus, were invoked as witnesses during significant treaties. On the other hand, he resembled the Eastern Baal, who brought storms and rain. Often depicted in Hittite reliefs with a club, he could evoke Heracles. Like gods, he was capricious, unpredictable, and incomprehensible in essence.

From the time of Augustus, particularly in Asia, the imperial cult spread, and provincial temples to reigning and deified emperors and their families were built in major cities. Cities gained the title Neokoros (translated as "temple guardian"), signifying they housed a provincial imperial cult temple. This title first appeared on coins from Caesarea during the reign of Septimius Severus, often depicting Mount Argaeus illuminated with flames.

Considering the lack of evidence for a separate temple dedicated to Mount Argaeus, it seems plausible that the sacred mountain itself served as the sanctuary for the imperial cult.

Perhaps this is the moment to conclude what may be a lengthy tale inspired by a mere 17-millimeter coin weighing less than three grams but brimming with cultural richness no less than our Christmas tree.

Wishing all forum members and lovers of antiquity a joyous and beautiful Christmas!

Denomination: Drachm, Ag

Obverse: Laureate head of Septimius Severus to right, ΑΥ ΚΑΙ Λ CЄΠΤ CЄΟΥΗΡΟC

Reverse: Mount Argaeus surmounted by star, ΜΗΤΡΟ ΚΑΙCAΡ NЄΩ, ЄΤ IЄ  

Mint: Cappadocia, Caesarea, 206/7 A.D.

Weight: 2,89 g

Diameter: 18mm

Provenance: Leu Numismatik, ex European collection, formed before 2005

Reference : RPC V.3 66336.*, Sydenham, Caesarea 400var., Ganschow, Münzen 433f

https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coin/475978

visit my gallery: https://www.colleconline.com/en/collections/15362/thorgal76

 

[seth77]

The mount Argaeus artistic interpretation on these Caesarea coins is very similar to a Christmas tree.

[Sulla80]

1 hour ago, Sebastian said:

Wishing all forum members and lovers of antiquity a joyous and beautiful Christmas!

@Sebastian, a fun post, and you have quite a gallery of Cappadocian coins! Best wishes for Christmas and a joyful 2025! Here's a "Christmas tree" from Caracalla in the year in which he turned 9 years old ( 9 years old on 4 April 197) 🙂

 

Caracalla AR Drachm of Caesarea, Cappadocia. Year 5 of Septimius Severus (= 197). Draped and cuirassed bust r. / Mt. Argaeus; date (ЄT Є) in exergue.

 

Edited December 24, 2024 by Sulla80

[wuntbedruv]

Great write up. Here are my two Imperial drachms of Caesarea, both Severan issues acquired this year and previously posted in their own threads. 

1) Septimius Severus, year 13 (AD 205), RPC V.3 temporary ID 67641.

 

2) Julia Domna under Septimius Severus, year 19 (AD 211), RPC V.3 temporary ID 66316. This scarce reverse type spent nearly 60 days in transit and came from Central Europe to the UK via Mexico! (see my post, 'a drachm of Caesarea goes AWOL', for the full story)...

[Kali]

Commodus (177 - 192 A.D.)

AR Didrachm
Caesaria, Cappadocia
O: AYT M AYP KOMO ANTωNI, laureate head right.
R: YΠATOC ∆ ΠAT ΠA-TPI, Mt. Argaeus surmounted by star.
Cos IV, struck 183-185 AD.
21mm
3.96g
Metcalf 155f; Sydenham 372a

Julia Domna (193 - 217 A.D.)

AR Drachm
O: IOYΛIA ΔOMNA AVΓ, bust right.
R: MHTPO KAICA NEΩ, Mt. Argaeus, star at summit. Crescent to upper right. ET IH Dated RY 18 of Septimius (AD 210/211).
2.95g
19mm
Ganschow 512a var (KAICAΡI); Ganschow 512b var (AYΓOY and KAICA).

Unpublished legends combination.

In the year this coin was issued, Severus fell ill in Britain during the campaign against the Caledonians; his days were numbered. Caracalla continued the campaign, but his thoughts were on the future.

Thanks to Curtis Clay for the following info:
Ganshow knew just two specimens of your drachm with crescent in r. field, the more similar being his 512a = Henseler 856, apparently from the same obv. die as yours, but with two added letters in the rev. legend: KAICAPI for KAICAP and NEΩK for NEΩ.

Also very similar to yours: Ganschow 511b = Henseler 855, again apparently same obv. die, rev. like yours but without crescent r. or l.

https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8502922m.r=CappadoceDomnaDrachme565 Domna Drachme 565?rk=21459;2

Published on Wildwinds!

[wuntbedruv]

I received the standard reference on Cappadocian coins (part 1) from my partner and her family for Christmas.