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Document Details :

Title: Altar Shrines and Fire Altars?
Subtitle: Architectural Representations on Frataraka Coinage
Author(s): HAERINCK, Ernie , OVERLAET, Bruno
Journal: Iranica Antiqua
Volume: 43    Date: 2008   
Pages: 207-233
DOI: 10.2143/IA.43.0.2024049

Abstract :
Buildings with two doors and horn-shaped battlements figure on the reverse of early frataraka coins of the 1st. half of the 2nd. cent. BCE (“first phase” coins); similar buildings but with two large stepped crenellations on the corners are shown on the coins of the second phase. In a third phase fire altars were represented. Contrary to other scholars, the authors do not believe that the building shown on the early coins is closely related to the tower-like monuments at Pasargadae and Naqsh-i Rustam. It is suggested that the monument shown on the coins had a fire altar inside and that its concept is comparable to Greek and Roman sanctuaries, such as the Ara Pacis at Rome.

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