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Image search results - "Annona,"
00005x00.jpg
ROME
PB Tessera (19mm, 3.15 g, 12 h)
Togate priest standing left, holding patera
Modius with three grain ears, A C flanking
Rostowzew 1571 var. (size, no modius)

AC may stand for “Antoninus Caesar”, thereby making the togate figure the emperor in the guise of Pontifex Maximus. The presence of a modius also suggests a relation to the annona, implying a reading of “Annona Caesaris.”
Ardatirion
96Hadrian__RIC560b.jpg
0179 Hadrian Dupondius Roma 118 AD Annona Reference.
Strack 520; RIC III, 179

Bust A4

Obv. IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG
Laureate bare bust with drapery

Rev. PONT MAX TR POT COS DES III in field S C in Ex Annona Avg
Annona, draped, standing right, holding cornucopiae in left hand and resting right hand on hip; modius, corn-ears, and prow front.

11.61 gr
27 mm
6h
1 commentsokidoki
Antoninus-Pius_ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-PP-TRP-XV_COS-IIII_Q-001_3_40g.jpg
035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0204, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS-IIII, Annona, #1035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0204, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS-IIII, Annona, #1
avers:- ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-P-P-TR-P-XV, Laureate head right.
revers:- COS-IIII, Annona standing left, holding grain ears and resting hand on modius on galley prow.
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: 18mm, weight: 3,40g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 151-152 A.D., ref: RIC-III-204-p-51, C-288,
Q-001
quadrans
Antoninus-Pius_ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-PP-TRP-XV_COS-IIII_RIC-_-AD_Q-002_6h_17,5-18mm_3,07g-s.jpg
035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0204, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS-IIII, Annona, #2035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0204, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS-IIII, Annona, #2
avers:- ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-P-P-TR-P-XV, Laureate head right.
revers:- COS-IIII, Annona standing left, holding grain ears and resting hand on modius on galley prow.
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: 17,5-18mm, weight: 3,07g, axis:6h,
mint: Rome, date: 151-152 A.D., ref: RIC-III-204-p-51, C-288,
Q-002
quadrans
Antoninus-Pius_ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-PP-TRPXVI_COS-IIII_Q-001a_2_53g.jpg
035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0221, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS-IIII, Annona, #1035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0221, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS-IIII, Annona, #1
avers:- ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-P-P-TR-P-XVI, Laureate head right
revers:- COS-IIII, Annona standing left, holding grain ears and resting hand on modius on galley prow
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: 18mm, weight: 2,53g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 152-153 A.D., ref: RIC-III-221-p-53, C-290,
Q-001
quadrans
Ant_Pius_RIC-231_0h_17,5-18mm_3,00g-s.jpg
035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0231, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS-IIII, Annona, #1035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0231, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS-IIII, Annona, #1
avers:- ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-P-P-TR-P-XVII, Laureate head right.
revers:- COS-IIII, Annona standing left, holding two corn ears and resting left hand on modius, filled with corn ears, set on prow.
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: 17,5-18mm, weight: 3,00g, axis:0h,
mint: Rome, date: 154 A.D., ref: RIC-III-231-p-,
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans
Ant_Pius_ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-PP-TR-P-XVII_COS-IIII_RIC-231_p-_AD_Q-002_6h_18mm_3,22g-s.jpg
035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0231, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS-IIII, Annona, #2035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0231, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS-IIII, Annona, #2
avers:- ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-P-P-TR-P-XVII, Laureate head right.
revers:- COS-IIII, Annona standing left, holding two corn ears and resting left hand on modius, filled with corn ears, set on prow.
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: 18mm, weight: 3,22g, axis:6h,
mint: Rome, date: 154 A.D., ref: RIC-III-231-p-,
Q-002
quadrans
Ant_Pius_ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-P-P-TR-P-XVIII_COS-IIII_RIC-239_p-_155-AD_Q-001_6h_17-17,5mm_2,65g-s.jpg
035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0239, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS IIII, Annona, #1035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0239, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS IIII, Annona, #1
avers:- ANTONINVS-AVG-PIVS-P-P-TR-P-XVIII, Laureate head right.
revers:- COS-IIII, Annona standing left, holding two corn ears and resting left hand on modius, filled with corn ears, set on prow.
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: 17-17,5mm, weight: 2,65g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 155 A.D., ref: RIC-III-239-p-,
Q-001
quadrans
037b_Marcus_Aurelius_RIC_III_424var_28bust292C_AR-Den2C_M_ANTONINVS_AVG2C_COS_III_P_P_2C_RSC_2C_Sear_2C_176-180_AD2C_Rare2C_Q-001_0h2C_17-18mm2C_32C13g-s.jpg
037b Marcus Aurelius (139-161 A.D. as Caesar, 161-180 A.D. as Augustus), RIC III 0424var.(bust!), Rome, AR-Denarius, COS III•P•P•, Annona standing left, #1037b Marcus Aurelius (139-161 A.D. as Caesar, 161-180 A.D. as Augustus), RIC III 0424var.(bust!), Rome, AR-Denarius, COS III•P•P•, Annona standing left, #1
avers: M ANTONI NVS AVG, Laureate draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: COS III•P•P•, Annona standing left, between modius with corn ears and ship, holding two corn-ears and cornucopia.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,0-18,0mm, weight: 3,13g, axis: 0h,
mint: Rome, date:176-180 A.D.,
ref: RIC III 424var.(bust!), p-246, C-, Sear-,
Q-001
This bust variation is not in RIC, in this reverse...
quadrans
RI_044ak_img.jpg
044 - Hadrian denarius - RIC 388Obv:- HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P laureate head right
Rev:- COS III, Annona, draped, seated left on low chair, holding hook upwards om right hand and cornucopia in left; at her left, modius and corn ears
Rome Mint.
Reference:- RIC 338, RSC 382, BMC 488
maridvnvm
049_Septimius_Severus2C_Roma2C_RIC_IV-I_2002C_AR-Den2C_SEVERVS_PIVS_AVG2C_P_M_TR_P_XIIII_COS_III_P_P2C_Anonna2C_RSC-4762C_205_AD2C_Q-0012C_0h2C_182C4-192C0mm2C_22C78g-s.jpg
049 Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 200, AR-Denarius, P M TR P XIIII COS III P P, Annona standing left, #1049 Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 200, AR-Denarius, P M TR P XIIII COS III P P, Annona standing left, #1
avers: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, Laureate bust right.
reverse: P M TR P XIIII COS III P P, Annona, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears downwards in right hand over modius and corn-ears left and cornucopia in left hand; fold of drapery over left arm.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,5-19,0mm, weight: 2,83g, axis: 0h,
mint: Rome, date: A.D.,ref: RIC IV-I 200, p-, RSC 476, BMC 489,
Q-001
2 commentsquadrans
Ant-Pius-RIC-221.jpg
055. Antoninus Pius.Denarius, 152-153 AD, Rome mint.
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P XVI / Laureate bust of Antoninus.
Reverse: COS IIII / Annona, holding corn ears, resting hand on a modius which is set on the prow of a ship.
3.02 gm., 18 mm.
RIC #221.
Callimachus
RI 064bg img.jpg
064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 501Obv:– L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, Laureate head right
Rev:– ANNONAE AVGG, Annona, standing left, right foot on prow, holding corn ears and cornucopiae
Minted in Laodicea-ad-Mare, A.D. 198 - 202
References:– RIC 501 (Common), RSC 21
maridvnvm
RI 066y img.jpg
066 - Caracalla denarius - RIC 195Obv:– ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate head right
Rev:– P M TR P XV COS III P P, Annona, goddess of the corn harvest, seated l., holding corn ears over a modius (corn measure) and a cornucopiae
Minted in Rome. A.D. 212
Reference:– Van Meter 59/3. RIC 195. RCV02 6825. RSC 205.
maridvnvm
1270Hadrian_RIC968.jpg
0996 Hadrian Sestertius, Roma 128-29 AD Hadrian with Roma and SenateReference.
RIC II, 968; Banti 193; BMC 1364; C. 352; Hill 388; Strack 632; RIC 996

Bust A1

Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P
Laureate head

Rev. S C in field; COS III in ex
Hadrian, Roma and Senator adventus group: Hadrian stands left, the Senator stands right, Roma, holding spear, stands between them facing Emperor, and drawing his hand towards the extended hand of the Senator.

25.00 gr
33 mm
6h

Note.
The Romans often staged events in which the emperor was accompanied by actors dressed to personify symbolic personalities such as Annona, Liberalitas, Roma, et al. Here we see the emperor clasping the hand of the Senate in the presence of Roma, who stands behind them confirming their cooperative spirit by resting her hand on theirs.

This reverse type, representing "Concordia Senatus," likely commemorates the conferring of the title pater patriae upon Hadrian by the Senate in 128 AD.
1 commentsokidoki
770Hadrian_RIC706~0.jpg
1285 Hadrian Sestertius Roma 129-30 AD Galley leftReference
RIC II, 706; Strack 837; C. 657; Banti 337; RIC 1285

Bust A1

Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
Laureate head

Rev. FELICITATI AVG COS III P P S C in field
Galley moving left with stearman and five rowers; vexillum on prow.

23.61 gr
31 mm
12h

Ex.
Stack's Bowers Galleries January 2013 N.Y.I.N.C. lot 5210

Note.
An acrostolium is an ornamental extension of the stem post on the prow of an ancient warship. Often used as a symbol of victory or of power at sea. (numiswiki)
1st-4th Century AD:
The Ship in Imperial Rome

Realizing its importance, Augustus established the Roman navy along lines similar to that of the legions. In addition to a number of key harbors, from which ships could be deployed, he stationed several fleets (Latin classes) in key areas throughout the empire. Among these, the classis Britannica patrolled the channel between Gaul and Britannia, protecting the shipping lanes. Its strategic regional importance is commemorated in the coinage of several of the period usurpers from the area. M. Aurelius Postumus was the first to do so (lots 676-679). His bronze ship issues carry the legend LAETITIA AVG, emphasizing the source of imperial well-being resides in a strong navy. The usurper M. Aurelius Carausius, commander of the classis Britannica under Diocletian, struck coins commemorating, in part, his control of that fleet and its abilities in keeping the sea lanes open (lot 680). His short-lived successor, Allectus, continued the type (lots 681-684).

One important function of the navy was the transportation of the imperial family on state visits. From the time of Augustus, vessels were dispatched to carry the emperor between the capital and the provinces. One such instance is commemorated in a rare bronze as, struck at Patrae in AD 66/7 (lot 609). The reverse depicts the quinquereme used to carry Nero on his infamous tour of Greece. Hadrian’s extensive travels were recorded with a wide variety of ship types struck at Rome (lots 610-622), and in the East (lot 623). An inscription from Ephesus (Syll. III 3241), records that a local captain, L. Erastus, used his ship to transport the emperor while he was in that area. A coin struck at Alexandria (lot 624) is of particular importance for, in the same year as the coin was struck Antinoüs drowned as the imperial party was sailing up the Nile. Hadrian’s successors continued to travel, now to shore up border conflicts or prepare for one of the periodic wars with Persia (lots 625-627; 631-675). By the middle of the third century AD local issues, rather than those minted at the imperial capital, recorded these events, a sign that the center of power was drifting away from Rome itself.

Warships were not the exclusive vessel of the Roman navy. Providing the empire with an uninterrupted supply of grain, as well as other necessary supplies, necessitated the construction of ship for such a purpose. Unlike the warship, which required speed and strength for ramming, the merchantman (Greek nau~ stroggulh; Latin navis oneraria) was of broader beam. Many of these vessels, like the ponto or more common actuaria resembled the shape of a trireme and could be powered by both oars and sails. Since ships of this type were used to transport vital commodities such as wine and grain, they, like the large ponto, are often those shown on coins from the Black Sea (lots 655 and 664-666). The great Roman merchantman, or corbita, often seen in part on imperial issues commemorating the annona, is more familiar (lots 607-608). Powered by two large sails, it featured a rear cabin in the shape of a swan and was the true workhorse of Roman merchant vessels; its type continued well into the Byzantine period.
3 commentsokidoki
nero sest-.jpg
54-68 AD - NERO AE sestertius - struck 66 ADobv: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P (laureate head right, aegis on bust)
rev: ANNONA AVGVSTI CERES / S.C. (Ceres seated left with grain-ears & torch, facing Annona standing right with cornucopiae; between them, ship's stern and modius set on altar.)
ref: RIC I 137, BMCRE 127, C.16 (8frcs)
mint: Rome
27.51gms, 34mm orichalcum
Rare

Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, holds her usual attributes, grain and the torch with which she searches for her daughter, Proserpina, held captive in the Underworld for the winter months. Annona, the personification of the grain harvest,
holds a cornucopia, symbol of agricultural abundance; this is her first appearance on a coin. On the altar is a modius, a grain measure, and in the background a ship's stern, references to the transport of the grain.
1 commentsberserker
RI 064bg img~0.jpg
AnnonaDenarius
Obv:– L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, Laureate head right
Rev:– ANNONAE AVGG, Annona, standing left, right foot on prow, holding heads of grain (called corn ears in the UK) and cornucopiae
Minted in Laodicea-ad-Mare, A.D. 198 - 202
References:– RIC 501 (Common), RSC 21

Annona was the Goddess of the circling year and its harvest produce; Matron of commerce and the market place.
maridvnvm
pius_006.jpg
Antoninus Pius 138 - 161 ADaw.ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II
Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right
rew. TR POT XXI COS IIII
Annona, draped, standing right, left foot on prow, holding rudder in right hand and modius in left
Ric 275 , lub 277 ?
mint Rome , circa 157-158 AD
Waldemar S
pius_010.jpg
Antoninus Pius 138 - 161 AD aw. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVIII
Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right
rew. COS IIII
Annona, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears downwards in right hand and resting left on modius set on prow. right
Ric 239
mint Rome , circa 154-155 AD
Waldemar S
pius_ii_005.jpg
Antoninus Pius 138 - 161 ADaw. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVII
Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right
rew. COS IIII
Annona, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears downwards in right hand and setting left on modius set on prow, right
Ric 231
mint Rome , circa 153-154 AD
Waldemar S
pius_ii_007.jpg
Antoninus Pius 138 - 161 ADaw. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II
Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right
rew. TR POT XXI COS IIII
Annona, draped, standing right, left foot on prow, holding rudder in right hand and modius in left
Ric 275
mint Rome , circa 157-158 AD
Waldemar S
pius_ii_009.jpg
Antoninus Pius 138 - 161 ADaw. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II
Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right
rew. TR POT XIX COS IIII
Annona, draped, standing right, left foot on prow, holding rudder in right hand and modius in left
Ric - , similar to Ric 260
mint rome , circa 155-156 AD
Waldemar S
pius_ii_015.jpg
Antoninus Pius 138 - 161 AD aw. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII
Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right
rew. COS IIII
Annona, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand over modius with corn-ears, left; in left hand an anchor set on ground
Ric 175
mint Rome , circa 148-149 AD
Waldemar S
C37DD98F-2F54-48AF-86C2-920B890BAF43.jpeg
Antoninus Pius Silver DenariusAntoninus Pius (Aug 138 - 7 Mar 161 CE), Silver Denarius, RIC III 249, RSC II 983, BMCRE IV 847, gVF, nice portrait, lightly toned, radiating flow lines, minor marks and scratches, obverse and reverse slightly off-centre, some legends off-flan or unstruck, small edge cracks, plain edge, weight 2.9g, composition Ag, diameter 17.0mm, thickness 3.24mm, die axis 180°, Rome mint, 156-8 CE; obverse [ANT]ONINVS [AV]G-[P]IVS [P] P IM[P] II, laureate head right; reverse [TR P]OT XIX-COS IIII, Annona, draped, standing half-left, holding two corn-ears downward in right hand, left rests on modius set on prow to right, against which rests rudder; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Baldwin's (2021); ex Roma Numismatics e-sale 73 (23 Jul 2020), lot 781, acquired from UK Collection; £125.00.Serendipity
Antoninus_Pius_RIC_III_898.jpg
Antoninus Pius, AE Dupondius, Annona, RIC III 898Antoninus Pius
Augustus, 138 - 161 A.D.

Coin: AE Dupondius

Obverse: IMP CAES T AEL HADR ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, radiate bust facing right.
Reverse: TR POT XV - C-OS IIII, Annona, seated to the left, holding Wheat-ears over a Modius, to the left, with her right hand and a Corncopia with her left. S - C across the fields. ANNONA AVG in exergue.

Weight: 10.36 g, Diameter: 24.8 x 24.8 x 2.2 mm, Die axis: 190°, Mint: Rome, struck between 151-152 A.D. Reference:
RIC III 898
Constantine IV
AntoSeA8.jpg
Antoninus Pius, RIC 597, Sestertius of AD 140-144 (Annona)Æ Sestertius (29.84g, Ø31mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 140-44.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate and draped bust of Antoninus Pius facing right, wearing paludamentum.
Rev.: ANNONA AVG (around) S C (in field), Annona, standing right between modius and ship's prow, holding two corn ears and a cornucopiae.
RIC 597; BMCRE IV 1228; Cohen 34; Strack 821 (3 coll.); Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali II-3) 19 (8 spec.); Sear (Roman Coins & Their Values II) 4147
ex CNG,2010 (photo: CNG)
Charles S
Antoninus_Pius_Denarius.jpg
Antoninus Pius, RIC 239, 154 – 155 AD, Rome, ItalyHead of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right. Annona, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears downwards in right hand and resting left on modius set on prow, right.

ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P XVIII
COS IIII
Antoninus Pius The Revered Emperor Father of the Country Tribune of the People for the 18th time.
Consul for the 4th time.
Jonathan N
COMMODUS_009.jpg
Commous 180 - 192 ADaw. M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG
Head of Commodus, laureate, right
rew. TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P
Annona, draped, standing left, holding corn-ears in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to left, modius
Ric 14
mint Rome , circa 181 AD
Waldemar S
a_pius_249.jpg
Denarius; TR POT XIX COS IIII, Annona, RIC 249Antoninus Pius, August 138 - 7 March 161 A.D. Silver denarius, RIC III 249, RSC II 983, BMCRE IV 847, SRCV II 4123 var, VF, ragged flan, Rome mint, 2.853g, 19.1mm, 180o, 156 - 158 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II, laureate head right; reverse TR POT XIX COS IIII, Annona standing left, stalks of grain in right, left rests on modius set on a prow. Ex FORVMPodiceps
pius_274.jpg
Denarius; TR POT XXI COS IIII, Annona, RIC 274Antoninus Pius, August 138 - 7 March 161 A.D. Silver denarius, RIC III 274, RSC II 1083, BMCRE IV 901, gVF, Rome mint, 3.498g, 17.8mm, 180o, 157 - 158 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II, laureate head right; reverse TR POT XXI COS IIII, Annona standing left holding heads of grain over modius at feet and rudder on prow; bright silver. Ex FORVMPodiceps
Elagabalus_Markianopolis_Abundantia~0.jpg
Elagabalus, Markianopolis, Abundantia, AE27legate Julius Antonius Seleucus
8.9 g
obv.: laureate and draped bust right
rev.: Abundantia or Annona, standing left, holding corn-ears and cornucopiae

AMNG 861

Thanks to Jochen for the attribution!
1 commentsareich
Marcus_Aurelius_Annona_RIC_372.jpg
Marcus Aurelius Annona RIC 372Marcus Aurelius Denarius, Rome, 18mm, 3.2g, RIC III 372, AD 176 - 177,
OBV: M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM, Bust Laureate right
REV: TR P XXXI IMP VIII COS III P P, Annona, draped, standing right,
holding two corn-ears in right hand and basket of fruit in left hand
SRukke
MaauSe01-2.jpg
Marcus Aurelius, RIC 1128a, Sestertius of AD 174-175 (Annona)Æ Sestertius (24.2g, Ø 30mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 174-175.
Obv.: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXIX, laureate head right.
Rev.: IMP VII COS III around, S C across field, Annona, draped, standing left, holding cornucopiae left and corn ears right above modius with poppy and corn-ears.
RIC 1128a; BMCRE 1491var. (dr. bust); Cohen unlisted; Banti 159 (1 spec.)
Ex D.Ruskin (Oxford, 1994, found in Norfolk, UK)
A note at BMCRE 1491 refers to bare head variant Rotto Sale, May 1925, lot 1314. This same specimen is the only one listed by Banti and illustrated under no. 159
Charles S
Aureliusz_2_013.jpg
Marek Aurelius 161 - 180 AD aw. ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS
Bust of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, cuirassed, right
rew. P M TR P XIX IMP II COS III
Annona, draped, standing left, emptying with both hands a cornucopiae into modius, left: her right foot is set on globe
Ric 125 /limes/
mint ? circa 164-165 AD
Waldemar S
philippI_59.jpg
Philipp I RIC IV, 59Philipp I Arabs 244 - 249
AR - Antoninianus, 4.95g, 22mm
Rome 247 - 249
obv. IMP PHILIPPVS AVG
draped, cuirassed bust, radiate head r.
rev. ANNONA AVGG
Annona standing l, holding cornucopiae in l. arm and
holding with r. hand 2 corn-ears over prora
RIC IV/3, 59; C.33
VF

ANNONA, symbolizes the supplying of Rome with grain
Jochen
vespasian annona.jpg
RIC 0964 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.60g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona, draped, seated l. on throne, adorned with corn-ears, feet on stool, holding on her lap a sack or corn-ears open, the ties, looped at one end, in her hands
RIC 964 (C2). BMC 295. RSC 28. BNC 258.

This reverse possibly belongs to a series of coins that promoted a Vespasianic agricultural programme. Many other denarii were issued at the same time with a similar 'rustic' theme, notably: the modius reverse, Ceres either seated or standing, sow with piglets, goat-herd milking a she-goat, bull, and the two oxen reverse.

A wonderful coin in excellent condition. The obverse detail is so crisp, I'm inclined to believe that the die was used for aureii too.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
titus as caesar annona.JPG
RIC 0972 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.50g
Rome Mint, 78-79 AD
Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona, draped, seated l. on throne, adorned with corn-ears, feet on stool, holding on her lap a sack of corn-ears open, the ties, looped at one end, in her hands
RIC 972 (C). BMC 319. RSC 17. BNC 280.
Acquired from Amphora coins, April 2007.

A reverse type that forms part of a new agrarian policy announcement. Both Vespasian and Titus issued many reverses during this era that seems to have promoted the new programme.

I like the portrait on this coin, which is why it has found a place in my collection. The toning is very pleasant in hand also.
David Atherton
T137sm.jpg
RIC 137 TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.56g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona stg. l., with statuette of Aequitas and cornucopiae; to l., modius with corn ears; to r., stern of ship
RIC 137 (C2). BMC 153. BNC 152.
Acquired from Dr. Busso Peus Nachf., September 2019.

Ensuring that the urban plebs were well fed was an important responsibility of the emperor. The reliability of the imperial grain supply from Africa was crucial. This sestertius struck in 80-81 by Titus advertises his commitment, through the auspices of Annona, to fairly provide enough bread for the dole. Annona holding a figure of Aequitas, while standing next to a modius full of corn, and with a docked grain ship in the background was explicitly powerful propaganda. The government provided a dole of free grain to around 200, 000 citizens in the city. Every pleb had little doubt who to thank for their daily bread and coins like this are one of the reasons why. This fairly common sestertius was struck during Titus’ great issue of bronze in 80-81. Oddly, the reverse lacks the Senatus Consulto decree seen on most of his imperial bronze. Perhaps Titus wanted full credit?

A fabulous portrait in fine style.
4 commentsDavid Atherton
D287.jpg
RIC 287 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 10.62g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: ANNONA AVG; S C in exergue; Annona, std r., holding open on lap by two ends bag full of corn-ears; in front of her stands a small figure, l., also holding two ends of bag, and in the background, stern of ship
RIC 287 (R). BMC 305. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2020.

A most curious reverse type was struck for Domitian on his dupondii for a short period between 84-88. Here we see Annona seated holding open a bag(?) of corn-ears and a mysterious small figure standing before her holding the other end of the bag with a ship's stern in the background. Overall, the reverse likely alludes to Domitian's care of the corn supply, hinted at by the stern, here a symbol of the all important African grain ships. The small individual before Annona has variously been described as a 'boy', a 'child', or ambiguously as just a 'figure'. H. Mattingly has the most imaginative explanation in BMCRE II - 'Annona herself, the spirit of the corn-supply, and the ship, the symbol of the overseas corn, are familiar: but who is the small figure who stands before her? He is certainly no child, but only a man reduced to tiny proportions beside the goddess; and the fact that he is bare to the waist may suggest that he is an Italian farmer. If this interpretation is right, the type records a definite policy of Domitian to encourage the growing of corn in Italy.' Mattingly may be correct about the overall meaning, but I think the figure is indeed a child, symbolic of the emperor's care, through Annona's auspices, for his subjects. Rare variant with aegis.


3 commentsDavid Atherton
D367.jpg
RIC 367 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 11.64g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: ANNONA AVG; S C in exergue; Annona, std r., holding open on lap by two ends bag full of corn-ears; in front of her stands a small figure, l., also holding two ends of bag, and in the background, stern of ship
RIC 367 (C). BMC 347. BNC 364.
Ex eBay, August 2019.

A most curious reverse type was struck for Domitian on his dupondii for a short period between 84-88. Here we see Annona seated holding open a bag(?) of corn-ears and a mysterious small figure standing before her holding the other end of the bag with a ship's stern in the background. Overall, the reverse likely alludes to Domitian's care of the corn supply, hinted at by the stern, here a symbol of the all important African grain ships. The small individual before Annona has variously been described as a 'boy', a 'child', or ambiguously as just a 'figure'. H. Mattingly has the most imaginative explanation in BMCRE II - 'Annona herself, the spirit of the corn-supply, and the ship, the symbol of the overseas corn, are familiar: but who is the small figure who stands before her? He is certainly no child, but only a man reduced to tiny proportions beside the goddess; and the fact that he is bare to the waist may suggest that he is an Italian farmer. If this interpretation is right, the type records a definite policy of Domitian to encourage the growing of corn in Italy.' Mattingly may be correct about the overall meaning, but I think the figure is indeed a child, symbolic of the emperor's care, through Annona's auspices, for his subjects.

Flatly struck on one side, but in fine style.
8 commentsDavid Atherton
1.jpg
Roman Commodus AE SestertiusCommodus AE Sestertius
Rome AD 181-182
Obv.: M ANTONINVS COMMODVS AVG, Head of Commodus, laureate, right
Rev.: TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P S C, Annona, draped, standing left, holding statuette (of Concordia?) in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to left and right, modius with corn ears and ship, on which are two figures and Victory

RIC 325b
Tanit
AntoSeA8~0.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Antoninus Pius AE Sestertius - RIC 597Æ Sestertius (29.84g, Ø31mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 140-44.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate and draped bust of Antoninus Pius facing right, wearing paludamentum.
Rev.: ANNONA AVG (around) S C (in field), Annona, standing right between modius and ship's prow, holding two corn ears and a cornucopiae.
RIC 597; BMCRE IV 1228; Cohen 34; Strack 821 (3 coll.); Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali II-3) 19 (8 spec.); Sear (Roman Coins & Their Values II) 4147
ex CNG,2010
Charles S
Marcus_Aurelius.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Marcus Aurelius, Silver DenariusStruck 165 AD, Rome mint, 19mm, 3.5g, VF, RIC III 142

OBVERSE: Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius, bearded, right. M[ARCUS] [AURELIUS] ANTONINVS AVG[USTUS] ARMENIACVS (Marcus Aurelius Antonius, the Revered One, Conqueror of the Armenians).

REVERSE: Goddess of the grain supply to the city of Rome, Annona, standing front, head left, holding corn-ears in right hand and cornucopias in left hand; on left, modius (cylindrical headdress so called for its resemblance to the unit measure of grain); on right, ship. P[ONTIFEX] M[AXIMUS] TR[IBUNICIA] P[OTESTATE] XIX IMP[ERATOR] III COS III (Highest Priest, Tribune of the People for the 19th time, Imperium for the 3rd year, Consul for the 3rd time).
mherbst81@gmail.com
SestercioTrajano.jpg
Roman Empire, Trajan, AE SestertiusTrajan (98-117 AD) AE Sestertius, RIC-II 492, Rome (104-107 AD)

Obv: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP
Laureate bust of Trajan, drappery over left shoulder.

rev: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI S-C
Annona, draped, standing left holding two corn ears
in right hand over modius and cornicupiae in left hand.
Prow of a galley in the background.

diameter: 34mm; weight: 23,5g
mint: Rome
Date: 104-107 AD
RIC-II 492
Miguel P
Severus Annona.JPG
Septimus Severus, AnnonaObverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG - Laureate head right
Reverse: P M TR P XIII COS III P P - Annona st lt, holding corn ears over modius and in lt arm, a cornucopia
Mint : Rome
Date : AD 205
Reference : RIC IVi, 198, page 117 - Cohen 472 - SEAR RCV II (2002), #6338v, page 464
Grade : gVF
Weight : 2.44g
Denom : Denarius
Metal : Silver

Comments : The Roman emperors, in an attempt to alleviate poverty in the capital city, instituted a policy known as annona, which gave free grain to about a third of the population of Rome. The reverse shows the personification of the state sponsored system of grain distribution, the cornucopia, Latin term derived from two words, cornu meaning horn and copia meaning plenty, it is a symbol of prosperity and affluence, dating back to the 5th century BC. In Greek mythology, Amalthea brought Zeus up on the milk of a goat. It had the power to give to the person in possession of it whatever he or she wished for.
Peattie
severus_alexander_645.jpg
Severus Alexander RIC IV, 645Severus Alexander AD 222-235
AE - Sestertius (typical square flan) , 19.92g, 29mm
Rome AD 231
obv. IMP ALEXAN - DER PIVS AVG
bust, laureate, with drapery on l. shoulder
rev. PROVIDENTIA AVG
Annona, draped, standing frontal, head l., holding corn-ears in r. and anchor in
l. hand; on left side set on ground a tripodal modius with two corn-ears
S-C in field
RIC IV/2, 645; C.509; BMC 815-7
good F-about VF
Jochen
RIC_V_125_Tacitus.jpg
Tacitus, Antoninianus, RIC V 125Obv: IMP C M CLA TACITVS AVG
Bust of Tacitus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Rev: ANNONA AVGVSTI
Annona, draped, standing left, holding corn ears in right hand & cornucopiae in left; modius at her feet
Exergue: T
Mint: Ticinum
275-276 CE
Tim M
AAHCbsmall.png
Titus DenariusTitus, Caesar 69-79 AD, Augustus 79-81 AD.

Rome, 77-78 AD, under Vespasian

17mm., 2.86g.

T CAESAR VESPA[SIANVS], Head of Titus, laureate, right

[ANNONA AVG], Annona, draped, seated left on throne, feet on stool, holding on her lap a sack of corn-ears open, holding the ties in her hands

References: RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 972

AAHC
RL
Vespasian_RIC_II_0964.jpg
Vespasian RIC II 0964Vespasian. 69-79 A.D. AR Denarius. Rome Mint, 77-78 A.D. (3.39g, 19.7m, 6h). Obv: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right. Rev: ANNONA AVG, Annona standing left with stack of corn ears. RIC II 964, BMC 295, RSC 28. Ex CNG.

A decent example of a more common denarius of Vespasian. Without much wear, the reverse is marred by what has been described as a worn die.

Annona was the divine personification of the grain supply to Rome. She lacks a precedent in the Republic, but became an Imperial propaganda tool reflecting the emperor’s ability to care for his people by ensuring the grain supply.
1 commentsLucas H
Vespasian_RIC_II_0966.jpg
Vespasian RIC II 0966Vespasian. 69-79 A.D. AR Denarius. Rome Mint, 77-78 A.D. (3.25g, 19.2m, 6h). Obv: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head left. Rev: ANNONA AVG, Annona standing left with stack of corn ears. RIC II 966 (R), BMC 298, RSC 30.

Minted in conjunction with an agricultural series, Annona served as an Imperial propaganda tool reflecting the emperor’s ability to care for his people by ensuring the grain supply.

Annona is one of the most common of the reverses from this series, but not with the left facing portrait, which as always, are much less frequent.
1 commentsLucas H
CommodusRSC190.jpg
[906a]Commodus, March or April 177 - 31 Dec 192 A.D.COMMODUS AR silver denarius. RSC 190. RCV 5644. 16.5mm, 2.3g. F. Obverse: L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, bust of Commodus wearing lion skin in imitation of Hercules and Alexander the Great, facing right; Reverse: HER-CVL RO-MAN AV-GV either side of club of Hercules, all in wreath. RARE. Ex Incitatus.

This coin refers to Commodus' belief that he was Hercules reincarnated. According to the historian Herodian, "he issued orders that he was to be called not Commodus, son of Marcus, but Hercules, son of Jupiter. Abandoning the Roman and imperial mode of dress, he donned the lion-skin, and carried the club of Hercules..." (Joseph Sermarini).

De Imperatoribus Romanis:
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors


Commodus (A.D. 180-192)


Dennis Quinn

Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, the son of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his wife-cousin Faustina, was born in Lanuvium in 161 AD. Commodus was named Caesar at the age of 5, and co-Augustus at the age of 17, spending most of his early life accompanying his father on his campaigns against the Quadi and the Marcomanni along the Danubian frontier. His father died, possibly of the plague, at a military encampment at Bononia on the Danube on 17 March 180, leaving the Roman Empire to his nineteen-year-old son.[[1]] Upon hearing of his father's death, Commodus made preparations for Marcus' funeral, made concessions to the northern tribes, and made haste to return back to Rome in order to enjoy peace after nearly two decades of war. Commodus, and much of the Roman army behind him, entered the capital on 22 October, 180 in a triumphal procession, receiving a hero's welcome. Indeed, the youthful Commodus must have appeared in the parade as an icon of new, happier days to come; his arrival sparked the highest hopes in the Roman people, who believed he would rule as his father had ruled.[[2]]

The coins issued in his first year all display the triumphant general, a warrior in action who brought the spoils of victory to the citizens of Rome.[[3]] There is a great deal of evidence to support the fact that Commodus was popular among many of the people, at least for a majority of his reign. He seems to have been quite generous.[[4]]. Coin types from around 183 onward often contain the legend, Munificentia Augusta[[5]], indicating that generosity was indeed a part of his imperial program. Coins show nine occasions on which Commodus gave largesses, seven when he was sole emperor.[[6]] According to Dio, the emperor obtained some of this funding by taxing members of the senatorial class.[[7]] This policy of munificence certainly caused tensions between Commodus and the Senate. In 191 it was noted in the official Actus Urbis that the gods had given Commodus to Populus Senatusque Romanus. Normally the phrase Senatus Populusque Romanus was used. [[8]] While the Senate hated Commodus, the army and the lower classes loved him.[[9]] Because of the bad relationship between the Senate and Commodus as well as a senatorial conspiracy,[[10]] Rome "...was virtually governed by the praetorian prefects Perennis (182-185) and Cleander (186-9)."[[11]]

Commodus began to dress like the god Hercules, wearing lion skins and carrying a club.[[12]] Thus he appropriated the Antonines' traditional identification with Hercules, but even more aggressively. Commodus' complete identification with Hercules can be seen as an attempt to solidify his claim as new founder of Rome, which he now called the Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana. This was legitimized by his direct link to Hercules, son of Father Jupiter.[[13]] He probably took the title of Hercules officially some time before mid-September 192.[[14]]

While the literary sources, especially Dio, Herodian, and the Historia Augusta, all ridicule the antics of his later career, they also give important insight into Commodus' relationship to the people.[[15]] His most important maneuver to solidify his claims as Hercules Romanus was to show himself as the god to the Roman people by taking part in spectacles in the amphitheater. Not only would Commodus fight and defeat the most skilled gladiators, he would also test his talents by encountering the most ferocious of the beasts.[[16]]

Commodus won all of his bouts against the gladiators.[[17]] The slayer of wild beasts, Hercules, was the mythical symbol of Commodus' rule, as protector of the Empire.[[18]]

During his final years he declared that his age should be called the "Golden Age."[[19]] He wanted all to revel in peace and happiness in his age of glory, praise the felicitas Commodi, the glorious libertas, his pietas, providential, his victoria and virtus aeterna.[[20]] Commodus wanted there to be no doubt that this "Golden Age" had been achieved through his munificence as Nobilissimus Princeps. He had declared a brand new day in Rome, founding it anew in 190, declaring himself the new Romulus.[[21]] Rome was now to be called Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana, as noted above, and deemed "the Immortal," "the Fortunate," "the Universal Colony of the Earth."[[22]] Coins represent the archaic rituals of city-[re]foundation, identifying Commodus as a new founder and his age as new days.[[23]]

Also in 190 he renamed all the months to correspond exactly with his titles. From January, they run as follows: Lucius, Aelius, Aurelius, Commodus, Augustus, Herculeus, Romanus, Exsuperatorius, Amazonius, Invictus, Felix, Pius.[[24]] According to Dio Cassius, the changing of the names of the months was all part of Commodus' megalomania.[[25]] Commodus was the first and last in the Antonine dynasty to change the names of the months.


The legions were renamed Commodianae, the fleet which imported grain from Africa was called Alexandria Commodiana Togata, the Senate was deemed the Commodian Fortunate Senate, his palace and the Roman people were all given the name Commodianus.[[26]] The day that these new names were announced was also given a new title: Dies Commodianus.[[27]] Indeed, the emperor presented himself with growing vigor as the center of Roman life and the fountainhead of religion. New expressions of old religious thought and new cults previously restricted to private worship invade the highest level of imperial power.[[28]]

If Eusebius of Caesarea [[29]] is to be believed, the reign of Commodus inaugurated a period of numerous conversions to Christianity. Commodus did not pursue his father's prohibitions against the Christians, although he did not actually change their legal position. Rather, he relaxed persecutions, after minor efforts early in his reign.[[30]] Tradition credits Commodus's policy to the influence of his concubine Marcia; she was probably his favorite,[[31]] but it is not clear that she was a Christian.[[32]] More likely, Commodus preferred to neglect the sect, so that persecutions would not detract from his claims to be leading the Empire through a "Golden Age."[[33]]

During his reign several attempts were made on Commodus' life.[[34]] After a few botched efforts, an orchestrated plot was carried out early in December 192, apparently including his mistress Marcia. On 31 December an athlete named Narcissus strangled him in his bath,[[35]] and the emperor's memory was cursed. This brought an end to the Antonine Dynasty.


SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alföldy, G. "Der Friedesschluss des Kaisers Commodus mit den Germanen," Historia 20 (1971): 84-109.

Aymard, J. "Commode-Hercule foundateur de Rome," Revue des études latines 14 (1936): 340-64.

Birley, A. R. The African Emperor: Septimius Severus. -- rev. ed.-- London, 1988.
________. Marcus Aurelius: A Biography. London, 1987.

Breckenridge, J. D. "Roman Imperial Portraiture from Augustus to Gallienus," ANRW 2.17. 1 (1981): 477-512.

Chantraine, H. "Zur Religionspolitik des Commodus im Spiegel seiner Münzen," Römische Quartalschrift für christliche Altertumskunde und für Kirchengeschichte 70 (1975): 1-31.

Ferguson, J. The Religions of the Roman Empire. Ithaca, 1970.

Fishwick, D. The Imperial Cult in the Latin West. Leiden, 1987.

Gagé, J. "La mystique imperiale et l'épreuve des jeux. Commode-Hercule et l'anthropologie hercaléenne," ANRW 2.17.2 (1981), 663-83.

Garzetti, A. From Tiberius to the Antonines. A History of the Roman Empire A. D. 14-192. London, 1974.

Grosso F. La lotta politica al tempo di Commodo. Turin, 1964.

Hammond, M. The Antonine Monarchy. Rome, 1956.

Helgeland, J. "Roman Army Religion," ANRW II.16.2 (1978): 1470-1505.

Howe, L. L. The Praetorian Prefect from Commodus to Diocletian (A. D. 180-305). Chicago, 1942.

Keresztes, P. "A Favorable Aspect of Commodus' Rule," in Hommages à Marcel Renard 2. Bruxelles, 1969.

Mattingly, R. The Roman Imperial Coinage. Volume III: Antoninus Pius to Commodus. London, 1930.

Nock, A. D. "The Emperor's Divine Comes," Journal of Roman Studies 37 (1947): 102-116.

Parker, H. M. D. A History of the Roman World from A. D. 138 to 337. London, 1935.
________. and B.H. Warmington. "Commodus." OCD2, col. 276.

Raubitschek, A. E. "Commodus and Athens." Studies in Honor of Theodore Leslie Shear. Hesperia, Supp. 8, 1948.

Rostovtzeff, M. I. "Commodus-Hercules in Britain," Journal of Roman Studies 13 (1923): 91-105.

Sordi, M. "Un senatore cristano dell'éta di Commodo." Epigraphica 17 (1959): 104-112.

Speidel, M. P. "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army," Journal of Roman Studies 83 (1993): 109-114.

Stanton, G. R. "Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus, and Commodus: 1962-1972." ANRW II.2 (1975): 478-549.

Notes
[[1]] For a discussion of the circumstances surrounding the death of Marcus Aurelius, see A. R. Birley, Marcus Aurelius: A Biography -- rev. ed. -- (London, 1987), 210.
Aurelius Victor, De Caes. 16.4, writing around the year 360, claimed Aurelius died at Vindobona, modern Vienna. However, Tertullian, Apol. 25, who wrote some seventeen years after Marcus' death, fixed his place of death at Sirmium, twenty miles south of Bononia. A. R. Birley (Marcus Aurelius, 209-10) cogently argues Tertullian is much more accurate in his general description of where Marcus was campaigning during his last days.
For the dating of Marcus Aurelius' death and the accession of Commodus, see M. Hammond, The Antonine Monarchy (Rome, 1956), 179-80.

[[2]] For the army's attitude toward peace, the attitude of the city toward the peace, and the reception of the emperor and his forces into Rome, see Herodian, 1.7.1-4; for Commodus' subsequent political policies concerning the northern tribes, see G. Alföldy, "Der Friedesschluss des Kaisers Commodus mit den Germanen," Historia 20 (1971): 84-109.
For a commentary on the early years of Commodus in the public perception as days of optimism, see A. Garzetti, From Tiberius to the Antonines. A History of the Roman Empire A. D. 14-192 (London, 1974), 530. For a more critical, and much more negative portrayal, see the first chapter of F. Grosso, La lotta politica al tempo di Commodo (Turin, 1964).

[[3]]The gods Minerva and Jupiter Victor are invoked on the currency as harbingers of victory; Jupiter Conservator on his coins watches over Commodus and his Empire, and thanks is given to divine Providence (H. Mattingly, The Roman Imperial Coinage. Volume III: Antoninus Pius to Commodus, [London, 1930] 356-7, 366-7). In 181, new coin types appear defining the new reign of Commodus. Victory and peace are stressed. Coins extol Securitas Publica, Felicitas, Libertas, Annona, and Aequitas (ibid., 357).
By 186 Commodus is depicted as the victorious princes, the most noble of all born to the purple. Herodian (1.5.5) describes how Commodus boasted to his soldiers that he was born to be emperor. See also H. Chantraine, "Zur Religionspolitik des Commodus im Spiegel seiner Münzen," Römische Quatralschrift für christliche Altertumskunde und für Kirchengeschichte 70 (1975), 26. He is called Triumphator and Rector Orbis, and associated with the Nobilitas of Trojan descent (Mattingly, RIC III.359; idem, Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum. Volume IV: Antoninus Pius to Commodus, [Oxford, 1940], clxii).

[[4]] Dio tells us that Commodus liked giving gifts and often gave members of the populace 140 denarii apiece (Cass. Dio, 73.16), whereas the Historia Augusta reports that he gave each man 725 denarii (SHA, Comm., 16.3).

[[5]]Mattingly, RIC, III.358.

[[6]] Idem., CBM, IV.clxxiv.

[[7]]Cass. Dio, 73.16.

[[8]]M. P. Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army," Journal of Roman Studies 83 (1993), 113.

[[9]]Mattingly, CBM, IV.xii. Commodus was also popular amongst the northern divisions of the army because he allowed them to wield axes in battle, a practice banned by all preceding emperors. See, Speidel, JRS 83 (1993), 114.

[[10]]Infra, n. 34.

[[11]] H. Parker and B.H. Warmington, OCD2, s.v. "Commodus," col. 276; after 189, he was influenced by his mistress Marcia, Eclectus his chamberlain, and Laetus (who became praetorian prefect in 191 (Idem.).

[[12]]Herodian, 1.14.8. Hadrian appears on medallions in lion skins; but as far as the sources tell us, he never appeared in public in them. See J. Toynbee, Roman Medallions,(New York, 1986), 208.
He would often appear at public festivals and shows dressed in purple robes embroidered with gold. He would wear a crown made of gold, inlaid with the finest gems of India. He often carried a herald's staff as if imitating the god Mercury. According to Dio Cassius, Commodus' lion's skin and club were carried before him in the procession, and at the theaters these vestiges of Hercules were placed on a gilded chair for all to see (Cass. Dio, 73.17). For the implications of the golden chair carried in procession in relation to the imperial cult, see D. Fishwick, The Imperial Cult in the Latin West, (Leiden, 1987-91 ), 555.

[[13]] H. M. D. Parker, A History of the Roman World from A. D. 138 to 337, (London, 1935), 34; For medallions that express the relationship between Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, and Lucius Verus extolling Hercules as a symbol of civic virtue, see Toynbee, Roman Medallions, 208. For a general statement on the symbolism of Hercules in the Antonine age, see M. Hammond, The Antonine Monarchy, 238.
For a discussion of Commodus' association with Hercules, see
Rostovtzeff, "Commodus-Hercules," 104-6.
Herodian spells out the emperor's metamorphosis in detail (1.14.8).

[[14]]See Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor," 114. He argues this general date because a papyrus from Egypt's Fayum records Hercules in Commodus' title on 11 October 192.

[[15]]For a preliminary example, Herodian writes (1.13.8), "people in general responded well to him."

[[16]]As Dio reports, Commodus, with his own hands, gave the finishing stroke to five hippopotami at one time. Commodus also killed two elephants, several rhinoceroses, and a giraffe with the greatest of ease. (Cass. Dio, 73.10), and with his left hand (ibid., 73.19). Herodian maintains that from his specially constructed terrace which encircled the arena (enabling Commodus to avoid risking his life by fighting these animals at close quarters), the emperor also killed deer, roebuck, various horned animals, lions, and leopards, always killing them painlessly with a single blow. He purportedly killed one hundred leopards with one hundred javelins, and he cleanly shot the heads off countless ostriches with crescent-headed arrows. The crowd cheered as these headless birds continued to run around the amphitheater (1.15-4-6; for Commodus' popularity at these brutal spectacles, see Birley, The African Emperor, 86) (and Dio tells his readers that in public Commodus was less brutal than he was in private [73.17ff]).

[[17]] According to Herodian (1.15-17), "In his gladiatorial combats, he defeated his opponents with ease, and he did no more than wound them, since they all submitted to him, but only because they knew he was the emperor, not because he was truly a gladiator."

[[18]]Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.360.

[[19]]Cass. Dio, 73.15.

[[20]] Mattingly, RIC, III.361. For Commodus' propaganda of peace, see W. Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.392.

[[21]] W. Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.392-3. In 189 a coin type was issued with the legend Romulus Conditor, perhaps indicating he began the official renaming process during that year. For a discussion on Commodus as Romulus, see A. D. Nock, "The Emperor's Divine Comes," Journal of Roman Studies 37 (1947), 103.

[[22]] HA, Comm. 7.1; Cass. Dio, 73.15.

[[23]]Mattingly, RIC, III.361. See also, Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.386.

[[24]]The title Felix is first used by the emperor Commodus, and is used in the titles of almost all successive emperors to the fifth century. See, D. Fishwick, The Imperial Cult in the Latin West (Leiden, 1987-91), 473.
HA, Comm., 12.315; Cass. Dio, 73.15; Herodian, I.14.9. These new names for the months seem to have actually been used, at least by the army, as confirmed by Tittianus' Altar. See M. P. Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army," Journal of Roman Studies 83 (1993), 112.

[[25]] Cass. Dio, 73.15.

[[26]]Legions:Idem.; the Grain fleet: SHA, Comm., 12.7. For a further discussion of Commodus' newly named fleet, see, A. Garzetti, From Tiberius to the Antonines, 547. For coins issued extolling the fleet, see Mattingly, CBM, IV.clxix; RIC, III.359; the Senate: Cass. Dio, 73.15; the Imperial Palace: SHA, Comm., 12.7; the Roman People: Ibid., 15.5.

[[27]]Cass. Dio, 73.15.

[[28]]Mattingly, CBM, IV.clxxxiv.

[[29]]Eusebius, Hist.Ecc., 5.21.1.

[[30]]For a discussion of the treatment of Christianity during the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus as well as persecutions during the reign of Commodus, see Keresztes, "A Favorable Aspect," 374, 376-377.

[[31]]Herodian, 1.16.4; Dio, 73.4. A Medallion from early 192 shows Commodus juxtaposed with the goddess Roma, which some scholars have argued incorporates the features of Marcia. See, Roman Medallions, "Introduction." Commodus was married, however, to a woman named Crispina. He commissioned several coins early in his rule to honor her.

[[32]]The Christian apologist Hippolytus tells that she was a Christian (Philos. 9.2.12), Dio tells that she simply favored the Christians (73.4). Herodian does not take a stand on the matter either way (1.16.4).

[[33]]Cass. Dio, 73.15. He pronounces Commodus' edict that his rule should be henceforth called the "Golden Age."

[[34]]H. Parker and B.H. Warmington note that Commodus..."resorted to government by means of favorites...which was exacerbated by an abortive conspiracy promoted by Lucilla and Ummidius Quadratus (182)." (OCD2, col. 276).

[[35]]Herodian, 1.17.2-11; Dio Cass., 73.22; SHA, Comm.,17.1-2.

Copyright (C) 1998, Dennis Quinn. This file may be copied on the condition that the entire contents, including the header and this copyright notice, remain intact. Used by Permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.


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