A new Republican Coin Hoard with Roman asses and coinage of «Castulo» bronzes from Southern Hispania: Torre de Benagalbón (Málaga)

Abstract

During the excavations in the Roman villa of Torre de Benagalgón (Rincón de la Victoria, Málaga), in 2003-2004, a modest bronze coin hoard was discovered. It contained 19 Roman asses and one semis, and 9 units from Castulo/Ka.?.ti.l.o (Cazlona, Jaén). This coin find contributes to the study of mixed bronze coin hoards –Roman and local coinage– in the south of Hispania during the second half of the second century bc. Its possible formation in the mining district of Castulo, well connected with de port of Malaca by an ancient pre-Roman road known by archaeological and literary sources, are discussed here. Finally, it is emphasized the role of Roman bronzes in relation to the local coinages, especially from 146/141 bc, and also the changes in the metrological criteria during the 1st century bc.

Keywords

• ocultamiento monetario
• ases romano-republicanos
• castulo
• malaca
• hispania ulterior