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KINGS OF THRACE. Sadalas II, circa 48-42 BC.
Bronze 15mm (2.67 grams)
Reference: HGC 3.2, 1738 (Rare R1); Peykov C6300; SNG BM Black Sea 314.
Diademed and draped bust of Sadalas to right.
ΒAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣAΔAΛAΣ, Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt.
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Sadalas
Sadalas II played a significant part in the Roman civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. He led the Thracian troops assembled by his father, Kotys II, in support of Pompey against Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalos in 48 BC. During the battle, Sadalas II was able to defeat forces commanded by L. Cassius Longinus, who would later become one of Caesar’s assassins. However, despite this victory, Caesar ultimately emerged triumphant and broke the Pompeian forces at Pharsalos.
Despite fighting on the losing side, Sadalas II was treated generously by Caesar. Instead of punishing him, Caesar pardoned Sadalas II and recognized him as the king of the Astaian Thracians. This act demonstrated Caesar’s magnanimity in victory and his desire to maintain stability in the region. Unfortunately, not much is known about Sadalas II’s reign following this point, except that he died in 42 BC.
In 42 BC, Sadalas II’s kingdom fell into the hands of M. Junius Brutus, who is famously known as one of the assassins of Julius Caesar. Brutus claimed control of the kingdom, purportedly on the grounds that Sadalas II had died childless and that his territories were bequeathed to be inherited by Rome. However, it is believed that Sadalas II was actually murdered by Brutus and his young son, Kotys III (also known as Kotys VIII in the lineage of Odrysian kings), was saved from a similar fate when his mother surrendered the kingdom’s treasury to Brutus.
Sadalas II’s coinage provides valuable insights into the aesthetics and symbols associated with his reign. His bronze coinage closely resembles that of his father, featuring a royal portrait paired with an eagle on a thunderbolt. The coins bear a Greek legend identifying “King Sadalas” as the issuing authority. The minting location of these coins is suggested to be either Odessos or Bizye, which were significant centers in the region.
The Astaian Thracians were a specific group or tribe within the larger Thracian ethnic and cultural community. Thrace was a region located in the southeastern part of Europe, encompassing parts of present-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey.
The Astaian Thracians were predominantly settled in the region of Astia, which is believed to have been located in the eastern Rhodope Mountains in present-day Bulgaria. Astia was one of the many tribal territories within Thrace, and the Astaian Thracians were considered one of the distinct groups inhabiting this region.
Like other Thracian tribes, the Astaian Thracians had their own unique cultural practices, traditions, and social structures. They likely had their own ruling elite or aristocracy, with a king or tribal leader at the helm. The exact details of their specific customs, religious beliefs, and political organization are not extensively documented, and our knowledge of the Astaian Thracians is limited.
However, we do know that the Astaian Thracians played a role in the wider political and military events of their time. For instance, as mentioned earlier, Sadalas II, the son of Kotys II, was recognized as the king of the Astaian Thracians and led their troops in support of Pompey the Great against Julius Caesar during the Roman civil war.
The history and culture of the Astaian Thracians, like many ancient tribes, are often reconstructed through a combination of archaeological evidence, linguistic studies, and references in ancient texts. While our understanding of the Astaian Thracians may not be as comprehensive as we would like, they were an integral part of the rich tapestry of Thracian history and played a role in the political dynamics of the region during their time.
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