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Image search results - "Crispus"
CRISPUS-1.jpg
Crispus - AE3 - 318 AD - Londinium mint
Obv. CRISPVS NOB CAES. Laureate and cuirassed bust right
Rev.: SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol standing left with orb and raising right hand, crescent to left, PLN in ex.
Gs. 3,9 mm. 19,1
Cohen 136, RIC 144
1 commentsMaxentius
crispus_vot_v_star.jpg
James b4
crispus_vot_dot_x_RT.jpg
Crispus AE3. CRISPVS-NOB CAES, laureate head right
CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around VOT X within wreath. branchleft left and branchright right in wreath.
Mintmark: RS. Mint of Rome (2nd officina), 322 AD. RIC VII Rome 246 Rare (R2)
James b4
Crispus_T-A_VOT_V.jpg
ego sum malum
crispvsvotx1s.jpg
Crispus, Siscia RIC 175AE 3 / 4 Crispus Votive
Obverse: IVL CRIS PVS NOBC, laureate head right.
Reverse: CAESARVMNOSTRORVM around VOT X ( I pledge 10 years)
TSIS in ex. Siscia mint, 16.5 mm,. 2.4 g.
NORMAN K
rjb_2010_01_06~0.jpg
293cfCrispus, Caesar 317-326 AD
AE Follis
Obv: CRISPVS NOB CAES
Laureate, cuirassed bust right
Rev: VIRTVS CAESS
Camp gate with open doors
TA crescent RL
Arelate Mint
LRBC I - (cf293-4)
RIC (VII) Arles -
mauseus
317_-_324_Crispus_Caesar_PLON.jpg
317 - 326, CRISPUS as Caesar, AE3 struck 323 - 324 at Londinium (London), EnglandObverse: CRISPVS NOBIL C. Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Crispus facing left.
Reverse: BEAT TRANQLITAS (sic). Altar, inscribed VOT IS XX in three lines, surmounted by cosmic globe with three stars above; in exergue, PLON.
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 2.8gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC VII : 275.

Flavius Julius Crispus was the eldest son of Constantine the Great, he was given the rank of Caesar in A.D.316, at the same time as Flavius Claudius Constantinus (Constantine II), Constantine's eldest son with Fausta, and Valerius Licinianus Licinius (Licinius II), the son of Licinius I.
This coin was struck in connection with the fifteenth anniversary of Constantine the Great.
*Alex
Constantine_II_Killingholme_Hoard_(1993).JPG
317 - 337, CONSTANTINE II as Caesar, AE3 struck 321 at Londinium (London), EnglandObverse: CONSTANTINVS IVN N C. Radiate and cuirassed bust of Constantine II facing left.
Reverse: BEATA TRANQVILLITAS. Altar, inscribed VOT IS XX in three lines, surmounted by cosmic globe with three stars above; across field, P - A; in exergue, PLON.
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 2.9gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC VII : 219
Rare
Ex Killingholme Hoard (1993)

Claudius Constantinus was the eldest son of Constantine and Fausta, he was given the rank of Caesar in A.D.316, at the same time as Crispus and Licinius II.
This coin was struck in connection with the fifteenth anniversary of Constantine II's father, Constantine the great.


THE KILLINGHOLME HOARD
The Killingholme Hoard was discovered in a field between Killingholme and Habrough on the south bank of the Humber Estuary by a pair of metal detectorists in the Autumn of 1993.
The initial coins of the hoard were surface finds, many of which were found before the hoard itself was discovered. In total, there were 1504 coins found in the topsoil, and another 2753 found buried in a single clay pot.
The top of the pot had been cut off by ploughing, which had caused a large number of coins to be scattered around the field. Nevertheless, the remains of the pot were found when the coins packed in it were detected. The pot had a diameter of about 20cm and within it were thousands of coins.
One of the finders reported that the coins appeared to have been carefully arranged inside the pot, and seemed to produce a spiralling pattern. Unfortunately, the coins were emptied into a bath for cleaning so any chance of researching this arrangement was lost forever.
The coins that constituted the hoard were bronze reduced folles, most of which were struck between the 320s and the early 330s, during the time of the emperor Constantine. Though the coins came from several mints in the Western part of the Roman Empire, most of them were from the London mint. It is thought that the hoard was probably deposited around 333/334 AD.
Because, in 1993, base metal coins were not counted as treasure, the coins were returned to the finders who sent the bulk of the coins to be auctioned off by Spink of London. Fortunately, prior to being sold, the coins were recorded by the British Museum which acquired for itself 86 coins from the hoard.
After the recordings were completed, though the finders kept a few coins for themselves, the remainder of the coins were sold off in batches. It has been rumoured that many of these coins went to the Italian luxury goods producer Bulgari, who used them to make jewellery.
Such a process would not be permitted in England today as, following the enactment of the Treasure Act in 1996, the Killingholme Hoard would now fulfil the criteria for "treasure" as outlined by the Act.

CONTEMPORARY PHOTO OF THE KILLINGHOLM HOARD, CLICK ON THUMBNAIL TO ENLARGE IT
*Alex
322_-_323_Constantine_II_Caesar.jpg
317 - 337, CONSTANTINE II as Caesar, AE3 struck 322 - 323 at Londinium (London), EnglandObverse: CONSTANTINVS IVN N C. Radiate and cuirassed bust of Constantine II facing left.
Reverse: BEAT TRANQLITAS (sic). Altar, inscribed VOT IS XX in three lines, surmounted by cosmic globe with three stars above; across field, F – B; in exergue, PLON.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 2.05gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC VII : 257.

Flavius Claudius Constantinus was the eldest son of Constantine and Fausta, he was given the rank of Caesar in A.D.316, at the same time as Crispus and Licinius II.
This coin was struck in connection with the fifteenth anniversary of his father, Constantine the great.
*Alex
317_-_337_Constantine_II_Caesar_Altar__PLON.JPG
317 - 337, CONSTANTINE II as Caesar, AE3 struck 323 - 324 at Londinium (London), EnglandObverse: CONSTANTINVS IVN N C. Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Constantine II facing left.
Reverse: BEAT TRANQLITAS (sic). Altar, inscribed VOT IS XX in three lines, surmounted by cosmic globe with three stars above; in exergue, PLON.
Diameter: 21mm | Weight: 2.9gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC VII : 287.

Flavius Claudius Constantinus was the eldest son of Constantine and Fausta, he was given the rank of Caesar in A.D.316, at the same time as Crispus and Licinius II.
This coin was struck in connection with the fifteenth anniversary of his father, Constantine the great.
*Alex
rjb_vot2_02_05.jpg
482 TicinumCrispus
LRBC I 482
RIC VII 170
mauseus
crisp21.jpg
Crispus AE follis. 324-325 AD.Sirmium RIC VII 49

Crispus AE follis.. 324-325 AD. FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate head right / ALEMANNIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, holding trophy and palm, treading upon bound captive on right. Mintmark dot SIRM dot. Cohen 1.
Britanikus
crcg.jpg
Crispus RIC VII 69 Thessalonica, 319 CEObverse: IVL CRIS-PVS NOB C, laureate and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VIRT EXERC, Sol raising right hand and holding globe in left, standing in center of plan of roman camp.
TS dot E dot in ex. Thessalonica mint
19.53mm., 2.2g. rare
The true meaning of this reverse type has never been fully deciphered. The latest theory being the X shaped pattern represents Constantine's vision before the battle of Milvainbridge. This does not seem likely since the type is known on coins of Licinius a pagan and Constantine's enemy
sold 4-2018

NORMAN K
Crispus_AE.JPG
Crispus, son of Constantine, Caesar 317-326 AD. Trier
Crispus AE3. 317-326 AD. IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, cuirassed bust left, holding spear & shield / BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, globe on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX, 3 stars above, STR in ex. RIC VII 308,S
Antonivs Protti
CRISPUS_VOT_V.jpg
(0317) CRISPUS317 - 326 AD
Struck 320 - 321 AD
AE Follis 19 mm 3.13 g
O: FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate draped bust left
R: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around wreath containing VOT V, TSDVI in ex.
Thessalonica
1 commentslaney
crispus_0702.jpg
(0317) CRISPUS317 - 326 AD
AE 18 mm 3.84 g
O: DN FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, cuirassed bust right
R: PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS, Jupiter standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, holding Victory on globe & leaning on scepter; pellet over Gamma in right field, palm branch in left field
SMN in exe. Nicomedia
RIC VII 32 (R2)
laney
crispus_princ.jpg
(0317) CRISPUS317 - 326 AD
struck 317 AD.
AE 17.5 mm 3.25 g
O: CRISPUS NOB CAES, laureate, draped bust facing right.
R: PRINCIPIA IVVENTVTIS, Mars standing right, chlamys over right shoulder, holding scepter in right hand, leaning on shield.
R S in fields
ARLES MINT, (rare) cf. RIC VII 132-133
laney
crispus_vot_res.jpg
(0317) CRISPUS317 - 326 AD
Struck 321 AD.
AE 17.5 mm 1,98 g
O: CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate bust right
R: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, laurel wreath enclosing VOT X; RS in ex.
Rome Mint, RIC VII 240
laney
crispus_vot_2_res.jpg
(0317) CRISPUS317 - 326 AD
Struck: 324 AD
AE 19 mm, 3.08 g
Obverse: FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, Laureate draped cuirssed bust left
Reverse: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around votive wreath inscribed VOT pellet X in 3 lines, TSΔVI in exergue
Thessalonica, RIC VII 125
laney
crispus_vot_1_res.jpg
(0317) CRISPUS317 - 326 AD
Struck 324 AD
AE 18.5 mm; 2.51 g
O: CRISPVS NOB CAES, bust right
R: DOMINOR NOSTROR CAESS, VOT/ X, ✶ below all in wreath, SMHΓ in exe. scarce
Heraclea mint; RIC VII 61
laney
crispus_troph_captives_b.jpg
(0317) CRISPUS317 - 326 AD
AE 19.5 mm max, 2.40 g
O: CRISPUS NOB CAES Cuirassed bust in crested helmet right
R: VIRTVS EXERCIT Two captives seated, trophy between them
uncommon type
laney
crispus_campgate.jpg
(0317) CRISPUSstruck 326-327 AD
AE follis 19mm, 3.15g
O: FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left
R: PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Campgate, two turrets, seven layers, star above,no doors, dot in doorway, SMANTZ in exe.
Antioch mint; RIC VII 72
laney
crispus_vot_x_res.jpg
(0321) CRISPUS321-324 AD
AE 17.5 mm, 2.92 g
O: IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES- Laureate head right.
R: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM surrounding laurel wreath terminating in rosette enclosing VOT / . / X
ASIS sunburst in exergue
Siscia mint; RIC 181
laney
rjb_2010_10_13.jpg
(VII)174Crispus
FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
Two victories with inscribed shield on an altar decorated with a wreath
-/-//PLN
RIC (VII) 174
mauseus
rjb_2016_04_s19.jpg
(VII)250Crispus
CRISPVS NOBIL C
Laureate, cuirassed bust left holding forward spear and shield
BEAT TRANQLITAS VOTIS XX
Altar
F/B//PLON
RIC (VII) 250
mauseus
rjb_lon11_05_06.jpg
(VII)275Crispus
CRISPVS NOBIL C
Helmeted, cuirassed bust left
BEAT TRANQLITAS VOTIS XX
Altar
-/-//PLON
RIC (VII) 275
mauseus
rjb_2010_03_08.jpg
(VII)279Crispus
CRISPVS NOBIL C
Laureate, cuirassed bust left holding forward spear and shield
BEAT TRANQLITAS VOTIS XX
Altar
-/-//PLON
RIC (VII) 279
3 commentsmauseus
rjb_2011_03_03.jpg
(VII)279Crispus
CRISPVS NOBIL C
Laureate, cuirassed bust left holding forward spear and shield
BEAT TRANQLITAS VOTIS XX
Altar
-/-//PLON
RIC (VII) 279
1 commentsmauseus
rjb_2009_09_19.jpg
(VII)291Crispus
IVL CRISPVS NOB C
Laureate bust right
CAESARVM NOSTRORVM VOT X
Wreath
-/-//PLON crescent
RIC (VII) 291
mauseus
rjb_2010_11_01.jpg
(VII)295Crispus
FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right viewed from the front
PROVIDENTIAE CAESS
Camp gate with two turrets, star between
-/-//PLON
RIC (VII) 295
1 commentsmauseus
Crispus.jpg
*SOLD*Crispus AE3

Attribution: RIC VII 201, Siscia, 4th officina
Date: AD 326-327
Obverse: IVL CRISPVS NOB C, laureate bust r.
Reverse: PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS, campgate with two turrets, no doors & star above,
* Δ SIS * in exergue
Size: 18.4 mm
1 commentsNoah
Crispus_12.jpg
*SOLD*Crispus AE3

Attribution: RIC 201, S.3924v, Siscia
Date: AD 317-326
Obverse: IVL CRISPVS NOB C, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust r.
Reverse: PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, camp gate surmounted by two turrets,
* above, BSIS in exergue
Size: 18.7 mm
Noah
coins476.JPG
001b. Crispus Aquileia VotaRIC VII Aquileia 89 R2
ecoli
coin484.JPG
001b. Crispus Aquileia VotaRIC VII Aquileia 108 S
ecoli
crispus.JPG
001b. Crispus Siscia  VotaCrispus Caesar AE3. 321-324 AD. IVL CRISPVS NOB C, laureate head right / CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around VOT X in wreath, ASIS(sunburst) in ex. Ric 181ecoli
coin363~0.JPG
001b. Crispus Siscia VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERPRIC VII Siscia 97 R2ecoli
coins286.JPG
001b. Crispus Siscia VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERPIVL CRISPVS NOB CAESAR
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP

RIC VII Siscia 63 R4 for eSiSdot
ecoli
coin377.JPG
001b. Crispus Siscia VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP SisciaRIC VII 97 R3 Sisciaecoli
coins230.JPG
001b. Crispus Ticinum VotaRIC VII Ticinum 148 R3

ecoli
coins227.JPG
001b. Crispus Ticinum VotaRIC VII Ticinum 164 R4

Ex-Varangian

ecoli
coins477.JPG
001b. Crispus Vota RomeRIC VII Rome 240 C1

ecoli
coin264~0.JPG
001b. Crispus Vota SisciaRIC VII Siscia 165 R1
ecoli
coins478.JPG
001b. Crispus Vota Siscia RIC VII Siscia 175 R3
ecoli
mynt081211.jpg
003 - Crispus (Caesar 317-326 AD) AE 3 - RIC 20 (rare)Obv: CRISPVS NOBILISSIMVS CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: PRINCIPIA IVVENTVTIS, soldier standing right, holding spear in right hand, shield on gruond at left.
Minted in Thessalonica (.TS.gamma. in exe), officina 3, 317-318 AD.
Rated in RIC as R4
pierre_p77
5514.jpg
005d. Agrippina IILYDIA, Hypaepa. Agrippina Jr., mother of Nero. Augusta, 50-59 AD. Æ 14mm (2.33 gm). Draped bust of Agrippina right / Cult statue of Artemis. RPC I 2541; SNG Copenhagen -.

Julia Vipsania Agrippina Minor or Agrippina Minor (Latin for "the younger") (November 7, AD 15 – March 59), often called "Agrippinilla" to distinguish her from her mother, was the daughter of Germanicus and Agrippina Major. She was sister of Caligula, granddaughter and great-niece to Tiberius, niece and wife of Claudius, and the mother of Nero. She was born at Oppidum Ubiorum on the Rhine, afterwards named in her honour Colonia Agrippinae (modern Cologne, Germany).

Agrippina was first married to (1st century AD) Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus. From this marriage she gave birth to Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, who would become Roman Emperor Nero. Her husband died in January, 40. While still married, Agrippina participated openly in her brother Caligula's decadent court, where, according to some sources, at his instigation she prostituted herself in a palace. While it was generally agreed that Agrippinilla, as well as her sisters, had ongoing sexual relationships with their brother Caligula, incest was an oft-used criminal accusation against the aristocracy, because it was impossible to refute successfully. As Agrippina and her sister became more problematic for their brother, Caligula sent them into exile for a time, where it is said she was forced to dive for sponges to make a living. In January, 41, Agrippina had a second marriage to the affluent Gaius Sallustius Crispus Passienus. He died between 44 and 47, leaving his estate to Agrippina.

As a widow, Agrippina was courted by the freedman Pallas as a possible marriage match to her own uncle, Emperor Claudius, and became his favourite councillor, even granted the honor of being called Augusta (a title which no other queen had ever received). They were married on New Year's Day of 49, after the death of Claudius's first wife Messalina. Agrippina then proceeded to persuade Claudius to adopt her son, thereby placing Nero in the line of succession to the Imperial throne over Claudius's own son, Brittanicus. A true Imperial politician, Agrippina did not reject murder as a way to win her battles. Many ancient sources credited her with poisoning Claudius in 54 with a plate of poisened mushrooms, hence enabling Nero to quickly take the throne as emperor.

For some time, Agrippina influenced Nero as he was relatively ill-equipped to rule on his own. But Nero eventually felt that she was taking on too much power relative to her position as a woman of Rome. He deprived her of her honours and exiled her from the palace, but that was not enough. Three times Nero tried to poison Agrippina, but she had been raised in the Imperial family and was accustomed to taking antidotes. Nero had a machine built and attached to the roof of her bedroom. The machine was designed to make the ceiling collapse — the plot failed with the machine. According to the historians Tacitus and Suetonius, Nero then plotted her death by sending for her in a boat constructed to collapse, intending to drown Agrippina. However, only some of the crew were in on the plot; their efforts were hampered by the rest of the crew trying to save the ship. As the ship sank, one of her handmaidens thought to save herself by crying that she was Agrippina, thinking they would take special care of her. Instead the maid was instantly beaten to death with oars and chains. The real Agrippina realised what was happening and in the confusion managed to swim away where a passing fisherman picked her up. Terrified that his cover had been blown, Nero instantly sent men to charge her with treason and summarily execute her. Legend states that when the Emperor's soldiers came to kill her, Agrippina pulled back her clothes and ordered them to stab her in the belly that had housed such a monstrous son.

ecoli
0150.jpg
0150 - Nummus Crispus 323-4 ACObv/ CRISPVS NOBIL C, laureate and cuirassed bust of C. l., spear on r. shoulder and shield on r.h.
Rev/ BEATA TRA-NQLITAS, globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX in three lines; above, three stars; PLON in ex.

AE, 19.8 mm, 2.50 g
Mint: Londinium.
RIC VII/278 [R3]
ex-Numismatica Tintinna, auction e11, lot 2122
dafnis
antioch11b.jpg
018 Crispusobv: FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES laur. drp. cuir. bust l.
rev: PROVIDEN_TIAE CAESS campgate with two turrents star above
fld:/ex: dot in doorway / SMANTZ
hill132
0211_RICVII_275.jpg
0211 - Nummus Crispus 323-4 ACObv/ CRISPVS NOBIL C, bust of C. l. with helmet and cuirass.
Rev/ BEAT TRA NQILITAS, globe above altar inscribed VOT IS XX; above, three stars; PLON in ex.

AE, 19.5 mm, 2.94 g.
Mint: Londinium.
RIC VII/275 - CT 9.05.025 [CC]
ex-Roma Numismatics, auction e27, lot 938.
dafnis
FaustaCONSSalus.JPG
043. Fausta, wife of Constantine I. AE Follis, Constantinople mint.AE Follis. Constantinople mint, late 326AD.

Obv.Bust of Fausta right FLAV MAX FAVSTA AVG

Rev. Fausta standing holding Constantine II and Constantius II SALVS REIPVBLICAE.

RIC VII 12; LRBC 976. gVF

A very rare and interesting coin. The mint at Constantinople was only in operation for a couple of months when Fausta was executed, coins of her and Crispus from this mint are very hard to come by.
1 commentsLordBest
065.jpg
061 CRISPUSEMPEROR: Crispus
DENOMINATION: AE reduced follis
OBVERSE: IVL CRISPVS NOB C
REVERSE: VOT X within wreath, around which CAESARVM NOSTRORVM
EXERGUE: STR crescent
DATE: 323-324 AD
MINT: Trier
WEIGHT: 3.21 g
RIC: VII Trier 440
323-4 AD. VOT X
Barnaba6
4~0.jpg
061a CRISPUS RIC TRIER 394 R3 EMPEROR: Crispus
DENOMINATION: AE reduced follis
OBVERSE: IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES; laureate & cuirassed bust left, holding spear over shoulder & shield on left arm
REVERSE: BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS, large globe on an altar inscribed VO-TIS- XX in three lines, three stars above
EXERGUE: ●STR●
MINT: Trier
WEIGHT:
RIC VII Trier 394 (R3)
Barnaba6
5.jpg
061b CRISPUS RIC TRIER 269 R5 EMPEROR: Crispus
DENOMINATION: AE reduced follis
OBVERSE: CRISPVS NOB CAES; laureate, cuirassed bust left, with spear & shield,
REVERSE: VIRTVS EXERCIT, standard inscribed VOT XX with two captives seated on ground
EXERGUE: STR
MINT: Trier
WEIGHT:
RIC VII Trier 269 (R5)
Barnaba6
782_Crispus_ASISx.jpg
0782 Crispus - AE 3 (follis)Siscia
320-321 AD
laureate head right
IVL CRIS_PVS NOB C
VOT / V within wreath
CAESARVM NOSTRORVM
ASIS*
RIC VII Siscia 161
3,1g 18mm
ex Aurea
J. B.
normal_crispus~0.jpg
083c. CrispusCaesar under Constantine 316-326. Eldest son who proved to be an able politician and general. Executed by Constantine, probably based on charges by his stepmother Fausta of Crispus trying to seduce her.

Coin: Follis. Rome. 20mm, 2.86 g. Obv: CRISPVS NOB CAES. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left, holding shield and spear. Rev: ROMAE AETERNAE / P - R / R Q. Roma seated right on shield, holding another shield inscribed X/V. RIC 152. Naumann Auction 115, Lot 1025.
lawrence c
crispuse.jpg
083c01. CrispusAE3. 18mm, 2.61 g. Ticinum, 319-320 AD. Obv: CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield. Rev: VIRTVS EXERCIT, standard inscribed VOT XX with two bound captives seated to left and right of its base. Mintmark TT. RIC VII 117; Sear 16850.lawrence c
crispusd.jpg
083c02. CrispusAE follis. Arles mint. AD 317. Obv: CRISPVS NOB CAES, Laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. Rev: PRINCIPIA IVVENTVTIS, Mars, naked except for helmet and boots, chlamys flying out behind, advancing right, holding transverse spear and shield. R-S across fields. Mintmark QARL. RIC VII Arles 129.lawrence c
crispusc.jpg
083c03. CrispusAE follis. 19mm, 3.16 g. Light silvering. Siscia mint. 326-327. Obv: IVL CRISPVS NOB C, Laureate head right. Rev: PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Campgate, two turrets, six layers, star above, no doors. Mintmark dot EpsilonSIS dot. RIC VII Siscia 201; Sear 16802.lawrence c
crispusb.jpg
083c04. CrispusAE follis. 20mm, 3.02 g. Aquileia mint. 316-317 AD. Obv: CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: PRINCIPIA IVVENTVTIS, Crispus in military dress, standing left with vertical spear, resting right hand on a shield at his side. Mintmark AQT. RIC VII Aquileia 9.lawrence c
crispush.jpg
083c05. CrispusAE3. 21mm, 2.59 g. Oversize flan. Obv: IVL CRISPVS NOB C, laureate head right. Rev: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around VOT X within wreath. Mintmark PLGC. RIC VII Lyons 215; Sear 16762.lawrence c
crispusg.jpg
083c06. CrispusAE3. 19mm, 3.03 g. Siscia mint. Obv: IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, helmeted bust left with spear and shield. Rev: VIRTVS EXERCIT, two captives sitting at the base of a standard inscribed VOT-X, mintmark ΓSIS star-in-crescent. S in left field, F over HL in right field. RIC VII 130.lawrence c
crispusa.jpg
083c07. CrispusAE2. 324-325 AD. 19mm, 3.00 g. Obv: FL IVL ORISPVS NOB CAES, laureate head right Note die error w/ “O” instead of “C”. Rev: ALEMANNIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, holding trophy and palm, treading upon bound captive on right. Mintmark dot SIRM dot. Cohen 1. Sirmium RIC VII 49.lawrence c
crispusf.jpg
083c08. CrispusAE3. Thessalonica, 324 AD. Obv: FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust left. Rev: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around VOT X in wreath, dot in badge at the top. Mintmark TSΔVI. RIC VII 125.
A FORUM coin.
lawrence c
crispus.jpg
083c09. CrispusFollis. Rome. 20mm, 2.86 g. Obv: CRISPVS NOB CAES. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left, holding shield and spear. Rev: ROMAE AETERNAE / P - R / R Q. Roma seated right on shield, holding another shield inscribed X/V. RIC 152. Naumann Auction 115, Lot 1025.
lawrence c
normal_faustaa~0.jpg
083d. FaustaWife of Constantine. Daughter of Maximianus and sister of Maxentius. In 326, she reportedly accused her stepson Crispus of trying to seduce or rape her. The charge proved to be false (after Crispus had been executed). She was then steamed to death. It should be noted that this is the most commonly cited version of the story, but as with much of the history of the period, there are alternative arguments.

Coin: AE Follis. 19.5mm, 2.58 g. Struck AD 325-326. Cyzicus mint. Obv:FLAV MAX FAVSTA AVG, draped bust right. Rev: SPES REIP-VBLICAE, Fausta standing facing, holding two children; mintmark dot SMK Gamma dot. LRBC 1186. RIC VII Cyzicus 50; Sear 16579.
lawrence c
Personajes_Imperiales_10.jpg
10 - Personalities of the EmpireSeverus II, Maxentius, Romulus, Constantine I, Helena, Fausta, Alexander, Licinius I, Constantia, Maximinus II, Valerius Valens, Licinius II, Crispus and Martinianusmdelvalle
Personajes_Imperiales_10~0.jpg
10 - Personalities of the EmpireRomulus, Constantine I, Helena, Fausta, Licinius I, Constantia, Maximinus II, Licinius II, Crispus, Constantine II, Delmatius, Hanibalianus, Constans and Constantius II.

mdelvalle
126a.jpg
126a Crispus. AE follis 4.5gmobv: IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES laur. bust r.
rev: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM laur. wreath inclosing VOT/X
ex: STR(crescent)
hill132
126b.jpg
126b Crispus. AE follis 2.4gmobv: CRISPVS NOB CAES laur. cuir. bust r.
rev: DOMINOR.NOSTROR.CAESS laur. wreath inclosing VOT/./X
EX: (crescent)//QT
hill132
126c.jpg
126c Crispus. AE follis 3.6gmobv: IVL CRIS_PVS NOB C laur. head r.
rev: CAESARVM NOSTORVM laur. wreath inclosing VOT/./V
ex: rSIS*
hill132
126d.jpg
126d Crispus. AE follis 3.3gmobv: FL IVL CRISPVS NOB C rad. cuir. bust r.
rev: VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP two victories holding shield inscribed VOT/PR
ex: C//PT
hill132
126e.jpg
126e Crispus. AE follis 2.7gmobv: CRISPVS NOB CAES hi-crested helm. cuir. bust r.
rev: VIRTVS EXCERCIT standard inscribed VOT/XX with captives on eather side
ex: STR
hill132
126f.jpg
126f Crispus. AE follis 3.3gmobv: CRISPVS NOB CAES laur. head r.
rev: CAESARVM NOSTROVM laur. wreath inclosing VOT/./V
EX: T(crescent)A
hill132
126g.jpg
126g Crispus. AE follis 3.0gobv: CRISPVS NOB CAES laur. drp. cuir. bust r.
rev: CAESARVM NOSTORVM laur. wreath inclosing VOT/./V
EX: .AQS.
hill132
126h.jpg
126h Crispus. AE follis 3.2gmobv: IVL CRIS_PVS NOB C laur. head r.
rev: CAESARVM NOSTROVM laur. wreath inclosing VOT/./V
ex: ASIS*
hill132
Lcnius1.jpg
1308b, Licinius I, 308 - 324 A.D. (Siscia)Licinius I, 11 November 308 - 18 September 324 A.D. Bronze follis, RIC 4, F, Siscia, 3.257g, 21.6mm, 0o, 313 - 315 A.D. Obverse: IMP LIC LICINIVS P F AVG, laureate head right; Reverse IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG NN, Jupiter standing left holding Victory on globe and scepter, eagle with wreath in beak left, E right, SIS in exergue.



De Imperatoribus Romanis : An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

Licinius (308-324 A.D.)


Michael DiMaio, Jr.
Salve Regina University

Licinius' Heritage

Valerius Licinianus Licinius, more commonly known as Licinius, may have been born ca. 265. Of peasant origin, his family was from Dacia. A close friend and comrade of arms of the Emperor Galerius, he accompanied him on his Persian expedition in 297. When campaigns by Severus and Galerius in late 306 or early 307 and in the summer of 307, respectively, failed to dislodge Maxentius who, with the luke warm support of his father Maximianus Herculius, was acclaimed princeps on 28 October 306, he was sent by the eastern emperor to Maxentius as an ambassador; the diplomatic mission, however, failed because the usurper refused to submit to the authority of his father-in-law Galerius. At the Conference of Carnuntum which was held in October or November of 308, Licinius was made an Augustus on 11 November 308; his realm included Thrace, Illyricum, and Pannonia.

Licinius' Early Reign

Although Licinius was initially appointed by Galerius to replace Severus to end the revolt of Maxentius , Licinius (perhaps wisely) made no effort to move against the usurper. In fact, his first attested victory was against the Sarmatians probably in the late spring, but no later than the end of June in 310. When the Emperor Galerius died in 311, Licinius met Maximinus Daia at the Bosporus during the early summer of that year; they concluded a treaty and divided Galerius' realm between them. It was little more than a year later that the Emperor Constantine defeated Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on 28 October 312. After the defeat of the usurper, Constantine and Licinius met at Mediolanum (Milan) where Licinius married the former's sister Constantia; one child was born of this union: Valerius Licinianus Licinius. Licinius had another son, born of a slave woman, whose name is unknown. It appears that both emperors promulgated the so-called Edict of Milan, in which Constantine and Licinius granted Christians the freedom to practice their faith without any interference from the state.

As soon as he seems to have learned about the marital alliance between Licinius and Constantine and the death of Maxentius, who had been his ally, Daia traversed Asia Minor and, in April 313, he crossed the Bosporus and went to Byzantium, which he took from Licinius after an eleven day siege. On 30 April 313 the armies of both emperors clashed on the Campus Ergenus; in the ensuing battle Daia's forces were routed. A last ditch stand by Daia at the Cilician Gates failed; the eastern emperor subsequently died in the area of Tarsus probably in July or August 313. As soon as he arrived in Nicomedeia, Licinius promulgated the Edict of Milan. As soon as he had matters in Nicomedeia straightened out, Licinius campaigned against the Persians in the remaining part of 313 and the opening months of 314.

The First Civil War Between Licinius and Constantine

Once Licinius had defeated Maximinus Daia, the sole rulers of the Roman world were he and Constantine. It is obvious that the marriage of Licinius to Constantia was simply a union of convenience. In any case, there is evidence in the sources that both emperors were looking for an excuse to attack the other. The affair involving Bassianus (the husband of Constantius I's daughter Anastasia ), mentioned in the text of Anonymus Valesianus (5.14ff), may have sparked the falling out between the two emperors. In any case, Constantine' s forces joined battle with those of Licinius at Cibalae in Pannonia on 8 October 314. When the battle was over, Constantine prevailed; his victory, however, was Pyrrhic. Both emperors had been involved in exhausting military campaigns in the previous year and the months leading up to Cibalae and each of their realms had expanded so fast that their manpower reserves must have been stretched to the limit. Both men retreated to their own territory to lick their wounds. It may well be that the two emperors made an agreement, which has left no direct trace in the historical record, which would effectively restore the status quo.

Both emperors were variously engaged in different activities between 315 and 316. In addition to campaigning against the Germans while residing in Augusta Treverorum (Trier) in 315, Constantine dealt with aspects of the Donatist controversy; he also traveled to Rome where he celebrated his Decennalia. Licinius, possibly residing at Sirmium, was probably waging war against the Goths. Although not much else is known about Licinius' activities during this period, it is probable that he spent much of his time preparing for his impending war against Constantine; the latter,who spent the spring and summer of 316 in Augusta Treverorum, was probably doing much the same thing. In any case, by December 316, the western emperor was in Sardica with his army. Sometime between 1 December and 28 February 317, both emperors' armies joined battle on the Campus Ardiensis; as was the case in the previous engagement, Constantine' s forces were victorious. On 1 March 317, both sides agreed to a cessation of hostilities; possibly because of the intervention of his wife Constantia, Licinius was able to keep his throne, although he had to agree to the execution of his colleague Valens, who the eastern emperor had appointed as his colleague before the battle, as well as to cede some of his territory to his brother-in-law.

Licinius and the Christians

Although the historical record is not completely clear, Licinius seems to have campaigned against the Sarmatians in 318. He also appears to have been in Byzantium in the summer of 318 and later in June 323. Beyond these few facts, not much else is known about his residences until mid summer of 324. Although he and Constantine had issued the Edict of Milan in early 313, Licinius turned on the Christians in his realm seemingly in 320. The first law that Licinius issued prevented bishops from communicating with each other and from holding synods to discuss matters of interest to them. The second law prohibited men and women from attending services together and young girls from receiving instruction from their bishop or schools. When this law was issued, he also gave orders that Christians could hold services only outside of city walls. Additionally, he deprived officers in the army of their commissions if they did not sacrifice to the gods. Licinius may have been trying to incite Constantine to attack him. In any case, the growing tension between the two rulers is reflected in the consular Fasti of the period.

The Second Civil War Between Licinius and Constantine and Licinius' Death

War actually broke out in 321 when Constantine pursued some Sarmatians, who had been ravaging some territory in his realm, across the Danube. When he checked a similar invasion of the Goths, who were devastating Thrace, Licinius complained that Constantine had broken the treaty between them. Having assembled a fleet and army at Thessalonica, Constantine advanced toward Adrianople. Licinius engaged the forces of his brother-in-law near the banks of the Hebrus River on 3 July 324 where he was routed; with as many men as he could gather, he headed for his fleet which was in the Hellespont. Those of his soldiers who were not killed or put to flight, surrendered to the enemy. Licinius fled to Byzantium, where he was besieged by Constantine. Licinius' fleet, under the command of the admiral Abantus, was overcome by bad weather and by Constantine' s fleet which was under the command of his son Crispus. Hard pressed in Byzantium, Licinius abandoned the city to his rival and fled to Chalcedon in Bithynia. Leaving Martinianus, his former magister officiorum and now his co-ruler, to impede Constantine' s progress, Licinius regrouped his forces and engaged his enemy at Chrysopolis where he was again routed on 18 September 324. He fled to Nicomedeia which Constantine began to besiege. On the next day Licinius abdicated and was sent to Thessalonica, where he was kept under house arrest. Both Licinius and his associate were put to death by Constantine. Martinianus may have been put to death before the end of 324, whereas Licinius was not put to death until the spring of 325. Rumors circulated that Licinius had been put to death because he attempted another rebellion against Constantine.

Copyright (C) 1996, Michael DiMaio, Jr.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes
Licin1AEFolJupiAlex.jpg
1308c, Licinius I, 308-324 A.D. (Alexandria)Licinius I, 308-324 A.D. AE Follis, 3.60g, VF, 315 A.D., Alexandria. Obverse: IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS P F AVG - Laureate head right; Reverse: IOVI CONS-ERVATORI AVGG - Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on a globe and scepter; exergue: ALE / (wreath) over "B" over "N." Ref: RIC VII, 10 (B = r2) Rare, page 705 - Hunterian Museum, Glasgow, Scotland.


De Imperatoribus Romanis : An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

Licinius (308-324 A.D.)


Michael DiMaio, Jr.
Salve Regina University

Licinius' Heritage

Valerius Licinianus Licinius, more commonly known as Licinius, may have been born ca. 265. Of peasant origin, his family was from Dacia. A close friend and comrade of arms of the Emperor Galerius, he accompanied him on his Persian expedition in 297. When campaigns by Severus and Galerius in late 306 or early 307 and in the summer of 307, respectively, failed to dislodge Maxentius who, with the luke warm support of his father Maximianus Herculius, was acclaimed princeps on 28 October 306, he was sent by the eastern emperor to Maxentius as an ambassador; the diplomatic mission, however, failed because the usurper refused to submit to the authority of his father-in-law Galerius. At the Conference of Carnuntum which was held in October or November of 308, Licinius was made an Augustus on 11 November 308; his realm included Thrace, Illyricum, and Pannonia.

Licinius' Early Reign

Although Licinius was initially appointed by Galerius to replace Severus to end the revolt of Maxentius , Licinius (perhaps wisely) made no effort to move against the usurper. In fact, his first attested victory was against the Sarmatians probably in the late spring, but no later than the end of June in 310. When the Emperor Galerius died in 311, Licinius met Maximinus Daia at the Bosporus during the early summer of that year; they concluded a treaty and divided Galerius' realm between them. It was little more than a year later that the Emperor Constantine defeated Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on 28 October 312. After the defeat of the usurper, Constantine and Licinius met at Mediolanum (Milan) where Licinius married the former's sister Constantia; one child was born of this union: Valerius Licinianus Licinius. Licinius had another son, born of a slave woman, whose name is unknown. It appears that both emperors promulgated the so-called Edict of Milan, in which Constantine and Licinius granted Christians the freedom to practice their faith without any interference from the state.

As soon as he seems to have learned about the marital alliance between Licinius and Constantine and the death of Maxentius, who had been his ally, Daia traversed Asia Minor and, in April 313, he crossed the Bosporus and went to Byzantium, which he took from Licinius after an eleven day siege. On 30 April 313 the armies of both emperors clashed on the Campus Ergenus; in the ensuing battle Daia's forces were routed. A last ditch stand by Daia at the Cilician Gates failed; the eastern emperor subsequently died in the area of Tarsus probably in July or August 313. As soon as he arrived in Nicomedeia, Licinius promulgated the Edict of Milan. As soon as he had matters in Nicomedeia straightened out, Licinius campaigned against the Persians in the remaining part of 313 and the opening months of 314.

The First Civil War Between Licinius and Constantine

Once Licinius had defeated Maximinus Daia, the sole rulers of the Roman world were he and Constantine. It is obvious that the marriage of Licinius to Constantia was simply a union of convenience. In any case, there is evidence in the sources that both emperors were looking for an excuse to attack the other. The affair involving Bassianus (the husband of Constantius I's daughter Anastasia ), mentioned in the text of Anonymus Valesianus (5.14ff), may have sparked the falling out between the two emperors. In any case, Constantine' s forces joined battle with those of Licinius at Cibalae in Pannonia on 8 October 314. When the battle was over, Constantine prevailed; his victory, however, was Pyrrhic. Both emperors had been involved in exhausting military campaigns in the previous year and the months leading up to Cibalae and each of their realms had expanded so fast that their manpower reserves must have been stretched to the limit. Both men retreated to their own territory to lick their wounds. It may well be that the two emperors made an agreement, which has left no direct trace in the historical record, which would effectively restore the status quo.

Both emperors were variously engaged in different activities between 315 and 316. In addition to campaigning against the Germans while residing in Augusta Treverorum (Trier) in 315, Constantine dealt with aspects of the Donatist controversy; he also traveled to Rome where he celebrated his Decennalia. Licinius, possibly residing at Sirmium, was probably waging war against the Goths. Although not much else is known about Licinius' activities during this period, it is probable that he spent much of his time preparing for his impending war against Constantine; the latter,who spent the spring and summer of 316 in Augusta Treverorum, was probably doing much the same thing. In any case, by December 316, the western emperor was in Sardica with his army. Sometime between 1 December and 28 February 317, both emperors' armies joined battle on the Campus Ardiensis; as was the case in the previous engagement, Constantine' s forces were victorious. On 1 March 317, both sides agreed to a cessation of hostilities; possibly because of the intervention of his wife Constantia, Licinius was able to keep his throne, although he had to agree to the execution of his colleague Valens, who the eastern emperor had appointed as his colleague before the battle, as well as to cede some of his territory to his brother-in-law.

Licinius and the Christians

Although the historical record is not completely clear, Licinius seems to have campaigned against the Sarmatians in 318. He also appears to have been in Byzantium in the summer of 318 and later in June 323. Beyond these few facts, not much else is known about his residences until mid summer of 324. Although he and Constantine had issued the Edict of Milan in early 313, Licinius turned on the Christians in his realm seemingly in 320. The first law that Licinius issued prevented bishops from communicating with each other and from holding synods to discuss matters of interest to them. The second law prohibited men and women from attending services together and young girls from receiving instruction from their bishop or schools. When this law was issued, he also gave orders that Christians could hold services only outside of city walls. Additionally, he deprived officers in the army of their commissions if they did not sacrifice to the gods. Licinius may have been trying to incite Constantine to attack him. In any case, the growing tension between the two rulers is reflected in the consular Fasti of the period.

The Second Civil War Between Licinius and Constantine and Licinius' Death

War actually broke out in 321 when Constantine pursued some Sarmatians, who had been ravaging some territory in his realm, across the Danube. When he checked a similar invasion of the Goths, who were devastating Thrace, Licinius complained that Constantine had broken the treaty between them. Having assembled a fleet and army at Thessalonica, Constantine advanced toward Adrianople. Licinius engaged the forces of his brother-in-law near the banks of the Hebrus River on 3 July 324 where he was routed; with as many men as he could gather, he headed for his fleet which was in the Hellespont. Those of his soldiers who were not killed or put to flight, surrendered to the enemy. Licinius fled to Byzantium, where he was besieged by Constantine. Licinius' fleet, under the command of the admiral Abantus, was overcome by bad weather and by Constantine' s fleet which was under the command of his son Crispus. Hard pressed in Byzantium, Licinius abandoned the city to his rival and fled to Chalcedon in Bithynia. Leaving Martinianus, his former magister officiorum and now his co-ruler, to impede Constantine' s progress, Licinius regrouped his forces and engaged his enemy at Chrysopolis where he was again routed on 18 September 324. He fled to Nicomedeia which Constantine began to besiege. On the next day Licinius abdicated and was sent to Thessalonica, where he was kept under house arrest. Both Licinius and his associate were put to death by Constantine. Martinianus may have been put to death before the end of 324, whereas Licinius was not put to death until the spring of 325. Rumors circulated that Licinius had been put to death because he attempted another rebellion against Constantine.

Copyright (C) 1996, Michael DiMaio, Jr.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes
Constantinus-I_RIC-VII-14-6h_22mm_2,75ga-s.jpg
136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Sirmium, RIC VII 014, AR-Miliarense, -/-//SIRM, CRISPVS ET CO(NSTANTINVS C C), Cripus and Costantinus-II, Bare head right.136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Sirmium, RIC VII 014, AR-Miliarense, -/-//SIRM, CRISPVS ET CO(NSTANTINVS C C), Cripus and Costantinus II., Bare head right.
avers:- CONSTANTI(NVS MAX AVG),
revers:- CRISPVS ET CO(NSTANTINVS C C), Busts of Crispus (left) and Constantine II. (right) facing each other.
exe: -/-//SI(RM), diameter: 22mm, weight: 2,74g(half), axis: 6h,
mint: Sirmium, date: 320 A.D., ref: RIC VII 14, p-469, C-3, Gnecchi-8,
Q-001
quadrans
heraclea11.jpg
136 Crispusobv: DN FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES laur. drp. bust l. holding scepter and mappa
rev: PROVIDEN_TIAE CAESS campgate with three turrents no star
ex: -.//SMHr
hill132
CrispusRIC17.jpg
1404a, Crispus, Caesar 317 - 326 A.D. Bronze AE 3, RIC 17, aEF, Cyzicus mint, 3.196g, 19.9mm, 315o, 321 - 324 A.D.; Obverse: D N FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; Reverse: IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left holding Victory on globe in right and scepter in left, eagle with wreath in beak to left, X / IIG and captive right, SMKD in exergue; scarce (RIC R3). Ex FORVM.


De Imperatoribus Romanis;
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families


Crispus Caesar (317-326 A.D.)


Hans Pohlsander
SUNY Albany

Crispus was the oldest son of the emperor Constantine I and played a fairly important role in the political and military events of the early fourth century. The regular form of his full name is Flavius Iulius Crispus, although the forms Flavius Claudius Crispus and Flavius Valerius Crispus also occur. His mother was a woman named Minervina, with whom Constantine had a relationship, probably illegitimate, before he married Fausta in 307. When Minervina died or when Constantine put her aside we do not know. Nor do we know when she gave birth to Crispus; we may assume, of course, that it was before 307. Some modern authorities, on good grounds, think that it was in 305. Crispus' place of birth must have been somewhere in the East, and it is not known when he was brought to Gaul and when, where, or under what circumstances he was separated from his mother.

Constantine entrusted the education of his son to the distinguished Christian scholar Lactantius, thereby giving a clear sign of his commitment to Christianity. We are not told when Lactantius assumed his duties, but a date before 317 seems likely. Nor do we know how successful he was in instilling Christian beliefs and values in his imperial pupil. No later than January of 322 Crispus must have married a woman named Helena -- not to be confused with Constantine's mother or daughter by the same name- and this woman bore him a child in October of 322. Constantine, we learn, was pleased.

Crispus' official career began at an early age and is well documented. On March 1 of 317, at Serdica (modern Sofia), his father appointed him Caesar. The consulship was his three times, in 318, 321, and 324. While nominally in charge of Gaul, with a prefect at his side, he successfully undertook military operations against the Franks and Alamanni in 320 and 323.

In 324, during the second war between Constantine and Licinius, he excelled as commander of Constantine's fleet in the waters of the Hellespont, the Propontis, and the Bosporus, thus making a significant contribution to the outcome of that war. The high points of his career are amply reflected in the imperial coinage. In addition to coins, we have his portrait, with varying degrees of certainty, in a number of sculptures, mosaics, cameos, etc. Contemporary authors heap praises upon him. Thus the panegyrist Nazarius speaks of Crispus' "magnificent deeds," and Eusebius calls him "an emperor most dear to God and in all regards comparable to his father."

Crispus' end was as tragic as his career had been brilliant. His own father ordered him to be put to death. We know the year of this sad event, 326, from the Consularia Constantinopolitana, and the place, Pola in Istria, from Ammianus Marcellinus. The circumstances, however, are less clear. Zosimus (6th c.) and Zonaras (12th c.) both report that Crispus and his stepmother Fausta were involved in an illicit relationship. There may be as much gossip as fact in their reports, but it is certain that at some time during the same year the emperor ordered the death of his own wife as well, and the two cases must be considered together. That Crispus and Fausta plotted treason is reported by Gregory of Tours, but not very believable. We must resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins. A similar claim had already been made by Julian the Apostate. We must also, I think, reject the suggestion of Guthrie that the emperor acted in the interest of "dynastic legitimacy," that is, that he removed his illegitimate first-born son in order to secure the succession for his three legitimate younger sons. But Crispus must have committed, or at least must have been suspected of having committed, some especially shocking offense to earn him a sentence of death from his own father. He also suffered damnatio memoriae, his honor was never restored, and history has not recorded the fate of his wife and his child (or children).

Copyright (C) 1997, Hans A. Pohlsander. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis;An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families:
http://www.roman-emperors.org/crispus.htm


What If?

St. Nectarios, in his book, The Ecumenical Synods, writes "Hellenism spread by Alexander paved the way for Christianity by Emperor Constantine the Great."

Constantine's upward gaze on his "Eyes to Heaven" coins recall the coin portraits of Alexander the Great (namely coins struck by the Diodochi), which served as prototypes for the divine ruler portraiture of much of the Hellenistic age. The diadem, of which this is the most elaborate type, was adopted by Constantine and the members of his house as a new symbol of sovereignty.

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Constantine the Great is revered as a Saint.

Is it just possible? Constantine, knowing what happened (or thinking that he does) to Phillip II of Macedon—assassinated on the eve of his greatness, in a plot that most likely involved his wife—and possibly his son. . . isn’t it just possible that Constantine is growing obsessively jealous of his ever more successful and adulated son? Imagine the Constantine who has proven time and again (think: Licinius) that he is a completely self-serving liar and a murderer, decides to murder again? Why "must we resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins [?] (see: above). A similar claim had already been made by Julian the [Philosopher]."

Perhaps it is time to cease being apologists for the sometime megalomaniacal Constantine. As Michael Grant notes, "It is a mocking travesty of justice to call such a murderer Constantine the Great . . ." (Grant, Michael. The Emperor Constantine. London: Phoenix Press, 1998. 226).


Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.


Cleisthenes
crispus_votV.jpg
1404b, Crispus, Caesar 317 - 326 A.D. (Thessalonica)Bronze AE 3, RIC 118, VF, Thessalonica mint, 2.740g, 18.0mm, 180o, 320 - 321 A.D. Obverse: FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left; Reverse: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, VOT V in wreath, TSDVI in exergue.

Flavius Julius Crispus was the son of Constantine I by his first wife. A brilliant soldier, Crispus was well loved by all until 326 A.D., when Constantine had him executed. It is said that Fausta, Crispus stepmother, anxious to secure the succession for her own sons falsely accused Crispus of raping her. Constantine, learning of Fausta`s treachery, had her executed too.


De Imperatoribus Romanis;
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families


Crispus Caesar (317-326 A.D.)


Hans Pohlsander
SUNY Albany

Crispus was the oldest son of the emperor Constantine I and played a fairly important role in the political and military events of the early fourth century. The regular form of his full name is Flavius Iulius Crispus, although the forms Flavius Claudius Crispus and Flavius Valerius Crispus also occur. His mother was a woman named Minervina, with whom Constantine had a relationship, probably illegitimate, before he married Fausta in 307. When Minervina died or when Constantine put her aside we do not know. Nor do we know when she gave birth to Crispus; we may assume, of course, that it was before 307. Some modern authorities, on good grounds, think that it was in 305. Crispus' place of birth must have been somewhere in the East, and it is not known when he was brought to Gaul and when, where, or under what circumstances he was separated from his mother.

Constantine entrusted the education of his son to the distinguished Christian scholar Lactantius, thereby giving a clear sign of his commitment to Christianity. We are not told when Lactantius assumed his duties, but a date before 317 seems likely. Nor do we know how successful he was in instilling Christian beliefs and values in his imperial pupil. No later than January of 322 Crispus must have married a woman named Helena -- not to be confused with Constantine's mother or daughter by the same name- and this woman bore him a child in October of 322. Constantine, we learn, was pleased.

Crispus' official career began at an early age and is well documented. On March 1 of 317, at Serdica (modern Sofia), his father appointed him Caesar. The consulship was his three times, in 318, 321, and 324. While nominally in charge of Gaul, with a prefect at his side, he successfully undertook military operations against the Franks and Alamanni in 320 and 323.

In 324, during the second war between Constantine and Licinius, he excelled as commander of Constantine's fleet in the waters of the Hellespont, the Propontis, and the Bosporus, thus making a significant contribution to the outcome of that war. The high points of his career are amply reflected in the imperial coinage. In addition to coins, we have his portrait, with varying degrees of certainty, in a number of sculptures, mosaics, cameos, etc. Contemporary authors heap praises upon him. Thus the panegyrist Nazarius speaks of Crispus' "magnificent deeds," and Eusebius calls him "an emperor most dear to God and in all regards comparable to his father."

Crispus' end was as tragic as his career had been brilliant. His own father ordered him to be put to death. We know the year of this sad event, 326, from the Consularia Constantinopolitana, and the place, Pola in Istria, from Ammianus Marcellinus. The circumstances, however, are less clear. Zosimus (6th c.) and Zonaras (12th c.) both report that Crispus and his stepmother Fausta were involved in an illicit relationship. There may be as much gossip as fact in their reports, but it is certain that at some time during the same year the emperor ordered the death of his own wife as well, and the two cases must be considered together. That Crispus and Fausta plotted treason is reported by Gregory of Tours, but not very believable. We must resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins. A similar claim had already been made by Julian the Apostate. We must also, I think, reject the suggestion of Guthrie that the emperor acted in the interest of "dynastic legitimacy," that is, that he removed his illegitimate first-born son in order to secure the succession for his three legitimate younger sons. But Crispus must have committed, or at least must have been suspected of having committed, some especially shocking offense to earn him a sentence of death from his own father. He also suffered damnatio memoriae, his honor was never restored, and history has not recorded the fate of his wife and his child (or children).

Copyright (C) 1997, Hans A. Pohlsander. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis;An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families:
http://www.roman-emperors.org/crispus.htm


What If?

St. Nectarios, in his book, The Ecumenical Synods, writes "Hellenism spread by Alexander paved the way for Christianity by Emperor Constantine the Great."

Constantine's upward gaze on his "Eyes to Heaven" coins recall the coin portraits of Alexander the Great (namely coins struck by the Diodochi), which served as prototypes for the divine ruler portraiture of much of the Hellenistic age. The diadem, of which this is the most elaborate type, was adopted by Constantine and the members of his house as a new symbol of sovereignty.

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Constantine the Great is revered as a Saint.

Is it just possible? Constantine, knowing what happened (or thinking that he does) to Phillip II of Macedon—assassinated on the eve of his greatness, in a plot that most likely involved his wife—and possibly his son. . . isn’t it just possible that Constantine is growing obsessively jealous of his ever more successful and adulated son? Imagine the Constantine who has proven time and again (think: Licinius) that he is a completely self-serving liar and a murderer, decides to murder again? Why "must we resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins [?] (see: above). A similar claim had already been made by Julian the [Philosopher]."

Perhaps it is time to cease being apologists for the sometime megalomaniacal Constantine. As Michael Grant notes, "It is a mocking travesty of justice to call such a murderer Constantine the Great . . ." (Grant, Michael. The Emperor Constantine. London: Phoenix Press, 1998. 226).


Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
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142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Aquilea, RIC VII 041, AE-3 Follis, S/F/AQT, VIRTVS EXERCIT, Scarce!, #1142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Aquilea, RIC VII 041, AE-3 Follis, S/F/AQT, VIRTVS EXERCIT, Scarce!, #1
avers:- CRISPVS-NOB-CAES (), Laureate, couirassed bust right.
revers:- VIRTVS-EXERCIT, Standard inscribed VOT/X, captive seated on ground on either side.
exerg: S/F/ AQT, diameter: mm, weight: g, axes: h,
mint: Aquilea, date: 320 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-41, -p-,
Q-001
quadrans
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142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Aquilea, RIC VII 041, AE-3 Follis, S/F/AQT, VIRTVS EXERCIT, Scarce!, #2142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Aquilea, RIC VII 041, AE-3 Follis, S/F/AQT, VIRTVS EXERCIT, Scarce!, #2
avers:- CRISPVS-NOB-CAES (5,B5), Laureate, couirassed bust right.
revers:- VIRTVS-EXERCIT, Standard inscribed VOT/X, captive seated on ground on either side.
exerg: S/F/ AQT, diameter: mm, weight: g, axes: h,
mint: Aquilea, date: 320 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-41, -p-,
Q-002
quadrans
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142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Aquilea, RIC VII 099, AE-3 Follis, -/-//•AQS•, CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, VOT/•/X, R3!!!142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Aquilea, RIC VII 099, AE-3 Follis, -/-//•AQS•, CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, VOT/•/X, R3!!!
avers:- CRISPVS-NOB-CAES, 5b, B4, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- CAESARVM-NOSTRORVM, Wreath VOT/•/ X with in.
exergo: -/-//•AQS•, diameter: 18,5-19mm, weight: 2,42g, axis: 7h,
mint: Aquilea, date: 321 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-099, p-404, 2nd. off., R3!!!
Q-001
quadrans
Cyzicus_RIC_VII_010,_142_Crispus_AE-3-Follis_DN-FL-IVL-CRISPVS-NOB-CAES-5-J1_l-_IOVI-CONSER-VATORI-CAESS_wreath-__SMK_p644-5off_-r2_317-20-AD_Q-001_6h_18-19mm_3,02gv-s.jpg
142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Cyzicus, RIC VII 010, AE-3 Follis, wreath/Є//SMK, IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS, R2!, #1142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Cyzicus, RIC VII 010, AE-3 Follis, wreath/Є//SMK, IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS, R2!, #1
avers:- DN-FL-IVL-CRISPVSVS-NOB-CAES, 7,J1 l., Laureate, draped bust left, holding mappa and scepter on globe.
revers:- IOVI-CONSER-VATORI-CAESS, Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe and scepter; wreath in left and Є in right in field.
exergo: wreath/Є//SMK, diameter: 18-19mm, weight: 3,02g, axis: 6h,
mint: Cyzicus, 8th. off., date: 317-320 AD., ref: RIC-VII-10, p-644, R2,
Q-001
quadrans
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142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Cyzicus, RIC VII 025, AE-3 Follis, -/-//SMKΔ, PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Campgate with two turrets, #1142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Cyzicus, RIC VII 025, AE-3 Follis, -/-//SMKΔ, PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Campgate with two turrets, #1
avers: FL IVL CRISPUS NOB CAES, Laureate bust left, draped and cuirassed.
reverse: PROVIDEN TIAE CAESS, Campgate with two turrets, 6 layers, no door and one star above.
exergue: -/-//SMKΔ, diameter: 19,0mm, weight: 3,60g, axis: 0h,
mint: Cyzicus, 4th. off., date: 324-325 AD., ref: RIC VII 25,
Q-001
quadrans
Londinium_RIC_VII_231,_142_Crispus_AE-3-Follis_CRISPVS-NOBIL-C_BEATA-TRAN-QVILLITAS_VOT-IS-XX_PLON_p-112_321-2-AD_R4_Q-001_h_mm_g-s.jpg
142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Londinium, RIC VII 231, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PLON, BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, VO/TIS/XX, Globe on altar, R4!!!142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Londinium, RIC VII 231, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PLON, BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, VO/TIS/XX, Globe on altar, R4!!!
avers:- CRISPVS-NOBIL-C, Helmeted and cuirassed bust left, spear pointing forward, shield on arm.
revers:- BEATA-TRAN-QVILLITAS, Globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX, above, three stars.
exerg: -/-//PLON, diameter: mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Londinium, date: 323-324 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-231, p-112, R4!!!
Q-001
quadrans
Londinium_RIC_VII_252,_142_Crispus_AE-3-Follis_CRISPVS-NOB-CAES_BEAT-TRA-NQLITAS_VOT-IS-XX_F-B_PLON_-p-113__321-2-AD_R5_Q-001_6h_19-19,5mm_2,78g-s1.jpg
142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Londinium, RIC VII 252, AE-3 Follis, F/B//PLON, BEAT TRANQLITAS, VO/TIS/XX, Globe on altar, R5!!!142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Londinium, RIC VII 252, AE-3 Follis, F/B//PLON, BEAT TRANQLITAS, VO/TIS/XX, Globe on altar, R5!!!
avers: CRISPVS-NOB-CAES, Laureated and cuirassed bust left, spear across right shoulder, decorated shield with two captives on the left arm.
revers: BEAT-TRA-NQLITAS, Globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX, above, three stars.
exerg: F/B//PLON, diameter: 19-19,5mm, weight: 2,78g, axis: 6h,
mint: Londinium, date: 322-323 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-252, p-113, R5!!!
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
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142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Londinium, RIC VII 274, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PLON, BEAT TRANQVILTAS, VO/TIS/XX, Globe on altar, #1142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Londinium, RIC VII 274, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PLON, BEAT TRANQVILTAS, VO/TIS/XX, Globe on altar, #1
avers:- CRISPVS-NOBIL-C, Helmeted and cuirassed bust left.
revers:- BEAT-TRA-NQVILTAS, Globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX, above, three stars.
exerg: -/-//PLON, diameter: mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Londinium, date: 323-324 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-274, p-114,
Q-001
quadrans
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142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Londinium, RIC VII 274, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PLON, BEAT TRANQVILTAS, VO/TIS/XX, Globe on altar, #2142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Londinium, RIC VII 274, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PLON, BEAT TRANQVILTAS, VO/TIS/XX, Globe on altar, #2
avers:- CRISPVS-NOBIL-C, Helmeted and cuirassed bust left.
revers:- BEAT-TRA-NQVILTAS, Globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX, above, three stars.
exerg: -/-//PLON, diameter: mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Londinium, date: 323-324 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-274, p-114,
Q-002
quadrans
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142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Londinium, RIC VII 274, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PLON, BEAT TRANQVILTAS, VO/TIS/XX, Globe on altar, #3142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Londinium, RIC VII 274, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PLON, BEAT TRANQVILTAS, VO/TIS/XX, Globe on altar, #3
avers:- CRISPVS-NOBIL-C, Helmeted and cuirassed bust left.
revers:- BEAT-TRA-NQVILTAS, Globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX, above, three stars.
exerg: -/-//PLON, diameter: mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Londinium, date: 323-324 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-274, p-114,
Q-003
quadrans
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