Commentaria archaeologica et historica (V). 1. About the Legionary Fort at Sarmizegetusa in AD 102–205 (Cassius Dio 68.9.7). 2. The Destiny of the “Dacian Gold”. About a Koson Type Coin Reused in the 16th Century in a Christian (Renaissance) Context

A recent study challenges the traditional interpretation of Cassius Dio's account (68.9.7) regarding the location of a Roman legionary fort in Dacia after Trajan's first Dacian war (102 AD). Using LiDAR imagery, researchers F. Matei-Popescu and O. Țentea proposed that the fort was situated near King Decebalus' residence at Grădiștea de Munte, predating a later stone enclosure. However, this study argues that the earthen fort at Grădiștea de Munte more likely dates to Trajan's second Dacian war (105/106 AD), suggesting the stratopedon mentioned by Cassius Dio was instead located near Colonia Ulpia Traiana Dacica Sarmizegetusa. Additionally, the study explores the 'Dacian gold' phenomenon through a 16th-century liturgical chalice from Nitra, Slovakia, decorated with a Koson-type coin, likely originating from a 1491 hoard discovered by gold panners near Sebeș. This finding sheds light on the Renaissance fascination with Dacian antiquities and the circulation of 'Dacian gold' among European humanist scholars.

Rustoiu, A. (2023). Commentaria archaeologica et historica (V). 1. About the Legionary Fort at Sarmizegetusa in AD 102–205 (Cassius Dio 68.9.7). 2. The Destiny of the “Dacian Gold”. About a Koson Type Coin Reused in the 16th Century in a Christian (Renaissance) Context. Ephemeris Napocensis, 32, 235–251. https://doi.org/10.33993/ephnap.2022.32.235