考古學發掘古代硬幣模具：古吉拉特邦印度 - 格里克貿易的一瞥

古吉拉特邦瓦德納加爾（Vadnagar）的考古學家發現了與阿波羅多德二世（Apollodotus II）相關的硬幣模具，揭示了對古代貿易的見解和印度 - 格里克造幣的持久價值。

The discovery of clay coin moulds in Vadnagar, Gujarat, is rewriting the narrative of ancient trade and economic practices in India. These moulds, linked to the Indo-Greek king Apollodotus II, offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, raising intriguing questions about the reproduction and circulation of ancient coinage.

古吉拉特邦瓦德納加爾（Vadnagar）發現粘土硬幣模具正在改寫印度古代貿易和經濟實踐的敘事。這些模具與印度 - 格里克國王阿波羅多二二世有關，對過去的瞥見了，引發了有關古代造幣的複制和循環的有趣問題。

Unearthing the Past: Coin Moulds and Apollodotus II

發掘過去：硬幣模具和apollodotus ii

Recent excavations at Amba Ghat in Vadnagar have revealed 37 clay coin moulds dating back to around the 5th century CE. What makes this discovery particularly compelling is that these moulds were used to create coins resembling those of Apollodotus II, an Indo-Greek ruler who reigned centuries earlier, between the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE. Apollodotus II was known for his bilingual coins, drachmas, which were used in ancient trade. However, no actual coins were found alongside the moulds, adding a layer of mystery to the find.

瓦德納加爾（Vadnagar）Amba Ghat的最新發掘揭示了37個粘土硬幣模具可追溯到公元5世紀左右。使這一發現特別引人注目的是，這些模具被用來製造類似於阿波羅多德二世（Apollodotus II）的硬幣，後者是印度 - 格里克統治者，他在公元前第二至1世紀之間在幾個世紀之前統治了幾個世紀。 Apollodotus II以他的雙語硬幣Drachmas而聞名，這些硬幣在古代貿易中使用。但是，在模具旁邊沒有發現實際的硬幣，從而為發現增加了一層神秘。

A Hub for Coin Reproduction?

硬幣繁殖的樞紐？

Archaeologists suggest that Vadnagar may have been a local center for reproducing these coins, possibly to meet the demands of trade markets long after the original coins had disappeared. The moulds show signs of reuse, and some even feature double impressions, indicating that multiple coins could be cast at once. This suggests a deliberate effort to replicate coins that were once valuable in long-distance trade.

考古學家認為，瓦德納加（Vadnagar）可能是繁殖這些硬幣的當地中心，可能在原始硬幣消失後很長時間就滿足貿易市場的需求。模具顯示出重複使用的跡象，有些甚至具有雙重印象，表明可以一次施放多個硬幣。這表明是為了複製曾經在長途貿易中有價值的硬幣而進行的努力。

Gujarat's Connection to Ancient Sea Trade

古吉拉特邦與古代貿易的聯繫

This discovery underscores Gujarat’s significant role in ancient sea trade. Historical texts mention Apollodotus’s coins being used in Bharuch, a major port in Gujarat. The persistence of Apollodotus’s coins in trade, long after his dynasty had faded, highlights the enduring value of silver coinage across centuries and regions.

這一發現強調了古吉拉特邦在古代貿易中的重要作用。歷史文字提到了阿波羅多杜斯的硬幣在古吉拉特邦的主要港口Bharuch中使用。阿波羅多杜斯（Apollodotus）在貿易中的硬幣的持久性在他的王朝逐漸消失很久之後，突出了幾個世紀和地區的銀幣的持久價值。

Why Reproduce Ancient Coins?

為什麼要復制古代硬幣？

One of the biggest questions raised by this discovery is why coins of a long-dead king were being reproduced centuries later, and so far from his original kingdom. Researchers theorize that these reproductions might have been created to meet ongoing trade demands, particularly along the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean routes. The original coins were made using methods like punch-marking and die-striking, the moulds suggest the people of Vadnagar found original coins and used them as models to create new moulds, a novel approach to coin production.

這一發現提出的最大問題之一是，為什麼幾個世紀後復制了一個長死國王的硬幣，而離他最初的王國很遠。研究人員認為，可能已經創建了這些複製品來滿足持續的貿易需求，尤其是沿著阿拉伯海和印度洋路線。原始硬幣是使用諸如打孔標記和撞擊之類的方法製成的，模具表明瓦德納加爾的人們找到了原始的硬幣，並將它們用作創建新模型的模型，這是一種新型的硬幣生產方法。

The Broader Significance

更廣泛的意義

The find adds new importance to the region and helps in understanding Gujarat’s history. Artifacts like Indo-Pacific beads, shell bangles, coins, cowries, and torpedo jars confirm Vadnagar’s role as a production center and land port.

該發現增加了該地區的新重要性，並有助於理解古吉拉特邦的歷史。印度太平洋珠子，殼牌手鐲，硬幣，庫里斯和魚雷罐等文物證實了瓦德納加爾作為生產中心和土地港口的作用。

Who knew that digging in the dirt could unearth such a cool story? These coin moulds aren't just old clay; they're a tangible link to a time when trade routes buzzed with activity, and the echoes of Greek kings resonated in the heart of India. It's a reminder that history is always waiting to be discovered, one mould at a time!

誰知道在泥土中挖掘會發掘出如此酷的故事？這些硬幣模具不僅僅是舊的粘土。它們是與貿易路線充滿活動的時代的切實聯繫，而希臘國王的迴響在印度中心產生了共鳴。提醒人們，歷史總是在等待發現，一次是一個模具！