Ancient coins and Roman artifacts in the connection between Oc Eo culture and the Mediterranean region

Oc Eo culture existed from the 1st century to the 7th and 8th centuries AD, and is considered to have a flourishing trade and extensive exchanges with the outside world.

Evidence is the large number of imported products, coins and Roman artifacts of the Oc Eo culture discovered in the Mekong Delta and vice versa, Oc Eo-style products found in many places, as far away as Persia and the Mediterranean world.

The metal coins that have been collected, although not in large quantities, are of great value because they are not only associated with societies with developed commercial economies but also play an important role in economic exchanges. economy and trade of that society. In addition to the two Roman gold coins of the time of Antonius Pius (152 AD) and the time of Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD) collected by L. Malleret, there were also 12 coins and pieces of coins discovered. Present at the relics of the Pagoda Foundation (2 copper coins and 1 piece cut into ¼), Embankment (2 copper coins), Da Noi (3 pieces cut into ¼) and Go Hang (4 copper coins).

Roman gold coin engraved with the image of King Marcus -Aurelius. 161-180 AD

All 12 coins and metal coin fragments collected in the Mekong Delta are different from the Funan coins, also found in Burma, which have the moon, Srivatsa, Swastika… In Of those 12 coins, 4 coins were collected from the cultural layer of Go Hang site, 1 residence site – a craft workshop belonging to the Oc Eo culture, it was used by Oc Eo residents at the time. In terms of shape, these 4 coins are nearly round, with an average diameter of 2.30cm to 2.50cm; 0.15cm to 0.20cm thick, cast in lead – tin, with embossed images on the right and left sides.

First coin: Weighs 2.1414 grams, the top part is broken. On the right side, there is a picture of an elephant standing in profile, with long ivory tusks, seven embossed dots creating a 6-petal lotus shape in the middle of the 2 front legs and 2 hind legs; The top has an arrow and a stylized bow. Bordered with embossed dots. The left side is worn and the shape is unclear.

Second coin: Weighs 2.1801 grams, part of the edge is broken. On the right side is an image of an elephant standing in profile, with long tusks; Unlike the other 3 coins, this coin does not have an embossed border around it. On the left side there is a picture of a tree with 2 or 3 branches with leaves arranged in rows or a picture of a tree in a vase.

3rd coin: Weighs 3.2704 grams, partly broken. On both sides there are embossed dots forming a surrounding border. On the right side is an image of a standing elephant, its long tusks touching its left leg. Above is a crescent moon and an arrow. The left side has a double image of Vajras or a stylized image of Siva.

4th coin: Weighs 2.7475 grams, partly broken, image unknown; The left side has embossed dots around it. In the middle there is a double image of Vajras or a stylized image of Siva.

Metal coins discovered at Go Hang relic, Tan Hung district, Long An.

The weight and size of these 4 coins are different. Minting money requires a high level of technique, sophistication, and raw materials. The embossed images on these coins all have a certain meaning. Elephant images reflect the religious beliefs of the ancient community; Embossed images of tree branches, bows, arrows, and moons are also common on ancient coins in the ancient Indian world.

Among the two coins at the Temple Foundation, one coin has a profile of a human face with a high and straight nose on the right side. It is a picture of the king’s head or bust. On the reverse side is usually the king’s name or nickname. The second coin has an image of a person in a kneeling position on the left side, with his head wearing a hat, his arms spread wide and raised to face level. From the markings on the two coins at the Temple Foundation, it can be seen that they belong to the Indo-Roman currency, issued during a period when economic and cultural exchanges between India and the Mediterranean world thrived. strong.

Roman gold coins from 308 AD and Roman gold coins discovered at Oc Eo site

In addition to the above coins, Roman artifacts have also been found in many locations in Southeast Asia. The statue of the god Pan (Vinh Hung, Long An), an Alexander-style bronze lamp with a palm leaf-shaped handle and two dolphins found in PongTuk, Thailand… are concrete physical evidence of the relationship between the community. Oc Eo residents with the Mediterranean region in which India is a transit place, a bridge between Mediterranean civilization and ancient Asian civilization.

Statue of Pan (Vinh Hung, Long An)

Oc Eo culture has a long development process. The ancient community here has built a developed trade and has extensive exchanges with the outside world, especially with India and the Mediterranean region. At the time Southeast Asia began the process of “Indianization”, the relationship between Persia, Greece, Rome and India, although volatile, was very close. Imported artifacts belonging to the Oc Eo culture, in addition to a large volume of artifacts bearing Indian imprints, also include many Persian, Greek, and Roman artifacts: coins and other artifacts; And vice versa, Oc Eo-style products are also found in Persia and the Mediterranean.