Images of Kings of Adiabene: Numismatic and Sculptural Evidence

Abstract

This paper offers the first ever discussion of all extant images of Abdissar, Monobazos I and ’tlw (Attalos), Kings of Adiabene. In analysing the numismatic and sculptural data, a few conclusions on the historical context are suggested. First, it is argued that stylistic features of the coinage of Abdissar suggest a date in the first half of the second century b.c.e., and this dating bears upon the question of the historical origin of the Kingdom of Adiabene. Adiabene originated as one of many “post-Seleucid” states which arose in the Near East when the Seleucid kingdom started to crumble, before the advent of the Parthians. This suggestion is also corroborated by stylistic features of the coinage which accentuate the divine investiture of royal power in Abdissar. It is also held that the Batas-Herir monument depicts King Abdissar. Second, the images on the coin of Monobazos I clearly reflect the time of Adiabene's economic prosperity and political rise to significance among Parthian “lesser kings” in the first half of the first century c.e. Third, the reign of King ’tlw (Attalos) remains largely obscure, but the placement of his sculpture in Hatra clearly shows good political relations and close cultural ties between the kingdoms of Adiabene and Hatra in the first half of the third century c.e. Additionally, the authors argue that the images of Oriental kings on the coins of Septimius Severus do not represent any particular Oriental rulers (of Edessa, Adiabene or Hatra), but are merely stereotypical images of what the Romans considered to be typical Oriental royal outfits.

Rabana-Merquly: a fortress in the kingdom of Adiabene in the Zagros Mountains

“…2019). These three figures all wear diadems and are generally similar in composition to the two from Rabana-Merquly, differing mainly in their headgear, with the Batas-Herir sculpture showing a ‘satrapal’ style of tiara that is associated with the kings of Adiabene (Marciak & Wójcikowski 2016: 82 & 84–85). As at Rabana-Merquly, the Amadiya rock-reliefs flank the main entrance to the settlement.…”

“…By far the closest parallels for the Rabana-Merquly relief sculptures are found in a statue from the city of Hatra, some 230km further west, that portrays King ʾtlw/Attalos of Adiabene (Figure 8C) (Fukai 1960: 142–43; Teixidor 1967: 1–3; Safar & Mustafa 1974: 208; Al-Shawi 1986: 209–10; Marciak & Wójcikowski 2016: 92–94). ʾtlw/Attalos is notable for being the only non-Hatrean king depicted at Hatra, leading to speculation that he played an important role in the city's development (Teixidor 1967: 9).…”

“…Coins provide images of two Adiabenean kings: Abdissar and Monobazos I (Marciak & Wójcikowski 2016: 82–83 & 88–89). The earliest attested king of Adiabene is Abdissar, who reigned during the first half of the second century BC and appears on three types of coins wearing a ‘satrapal’ tiara.…”

Portraits of a Parthian King: Rock-Reliefs and the Mountain Fortresses of Rabana-Merquly in Iraqi Kurdistan

“…Vologaeses III) are depicted on different coin issues both with and without a tiara. The tall hat is not associated with rulers of Adiabene, who are only shown on coins wearing the satrapial style of tiara (Marciak and Wójcikowski 2016).…”