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Image search results - "Lucif"

Denarius - 42 BC.
P. CLODIVS M.f. - Gens Claudia
Obv.: Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind
Rev.: Diana "Lucifera" standing facing, with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand; P CLODIVS right, M F on left.
Gs. 3,3 mm. 19x18
Craw. 494/23, Sear RCV 492

Maxentius

P. Clodius M.f. TurrinusMoneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus. 42 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.89 g, 1h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Apollo right; lyre behind / Diana Lucifera standing right, bow and quiver on her shoulder, holding torch in each hand. Crawford 494/23; CRI 184; Sydenham 1117; Claudia 15. Good VF, toned, a few minor scratches beneath the toning.

From the RAJ Collection. Ex CNG Inventory 914993 (2012 NYINC); Sincona 4 (25 October 2011), lots 4160 or 4161 (part of), includes ticket from a French Collectio
1 commentsecoli

Faustina Junior . Augusta, AD 147-175
PB Denarius (18mm, 2.76 g, 10 h)
Cast imitation? Copying a Rome mint issue of circa AD 161-175
Draped bust right
Diana Lucifera standing facing, head left, holding transverse torch
Cf. RIC III 674 (Pius)

Iron(?) inclusion in center of reverse1 commentsArdatirion

001v2. Roman Moneyers ClodiusP. Clodius M. f. Turrinus
AR Denarius.
Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind. Rev: P•CLODIVS / M•F, Diana Lucifera standing right, with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding a lighted torch in each hand. 17.09mm, 3.32 g. Crawford 494/23.
lawrence c

03. Gordian III / RIC 127.Denarius, 240 AD, Rome mint.
Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG / Laureate bust of Gordian.
Reverse: DIANA LVCIFERA / Diana standing, holding lighted torch.
2.70 gm., 19 mm.
RIC #127; Sear #8673.Callimachus

1) The Caesarians: ClodiusP. Clodius M.f. Turrinus
42 B.C. AR denarius (19.4 mm, 3.51 g, 2 h). Rome.
Laureate head of Apollo right; lyre behind / ·M·F·, P·CLODIVS, Diana Lucifera standing right, holding two long torches.
Crawford 494/23; CRI 184; Sydenham 1117; RSC 15. gFine.
Ex Agora Auctions #1 - Nov 20133 commentsSosius

201a. JULIA DOMNALuna

In Greek mythology, Selene was an ancient lunar deity and the daughter of the titans Hyperion and Theia. She was identified with the Roman moon goddess, Luna.

Like most moon deities, Selene plays a fairly large role in her pantheon. However, Selene was eventually largely supplanted by Artemis, and Luna by Diana. In the collection known as the Homeric hymns, there is a Hymn to Selene (xxxii), paired with the hymn to Helios. Selene is described in Apollodorus 1.2.2; Hesiod's Theogony 371; Nonnius 48.581; Pausanias 5.1.4; and Strabo 14.1.6, among others.

The Roman goddess of the moon, Luna, had a temple on the Aventine Hill. It was built in the 6th century BC, but was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome during Nero's reign. There was also a temple dedicated to Luna Noctiluca ("Luna that shines by night") on the Palatine Hill. There were festivals in honor of Luna on March 31, August 24 and August 28

JULIA DOMNA, - 217 AD. Antoninianus, Rome, 215 - 217 AD Bust, no crescent, right / Luna Lucifera in biga left. Rare. RIC 379.1 commentsecoli

24-01 - P. CLODIUS M.f. TURRINUS (42 A.C.)AR Denarius 20 mm 3.7 gr

Anv: Busto de joven Apolo laureado viendo a derecha, Lira detrás.
Rev: Diana Lucífera estante a derecha, portando largas antorchas en sus manos y arco y carcaj en su hombro - "M·F" delante, "P·CLODIVS" detrás.

Ceca: Roma
Referencias: Sear RCTV Vol.1 #492 Pag.163 - Craw RRC #494/23 - Syd CRR #1117 - BMCRR #4290 - Sear CRI #184 - RSC Vol.1 Claudia 15 Pag.32 - Babelon I #15 Pag.356 - Catalle 2001 #793mdelvalle

4e Emission - 1er Phase - (266) - Trèves - DIANAE LVCIFERAEIMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
DIANAE LVCIFERAE
imitation de la variante sans carquois et sans couronnePYL

4e Emission - 1er Phase - (266) - Trèves - DIANAE LVCIFERAEIMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
DIANAE LVCIFERAE
variante avec carquois et avec couronne
EG 52
CUNETIO 2430
RIC 299
ELMER 396
AGK 11
de Witte 27
Cohen 33PYL

4e Emission - 1er Phase - (266) - Trèves - DIANAE LVCIFERAEIMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
DIANAE LVCIFERAE
variante avec une biche à ses pieds
EG 56
CUNETIO 2431
RIC 299
ELMER 397
AGK 12
de Witte 28
Cohen 34PYL

4e Emission - 1er Phase - (266) - Trèves - DIANAE LVCIFERAEIMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
DIANAE LVCIFERAE
variante sans carquois et sans couronne
EG 55
CUNETIO 2430
RIC 299
ELMER 396
AGK 11
de Witte 27
Cohen 33PYL

4e Emission - 1er Phase - (266) - Trèves - DIANAE LVCIFEREIMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
DIANAE LVCIFERE
variante Lucifere au lieu de luciferae
EG 56
CUNETIO 2431
RIC 299
ELMER 397
AGK 12
de Witte 28
Cohen 34PYL

82-19 - GALIENO (253 - 268 D.C.)Billon Antoniniano 20 x 22 mm 3.2 gr.

Anv: "GALLIENVS AVG" - Busto radiado y vistiendo coraza, viendo a derecha.
Rev: "LVNA LVCIF" – Diana/Luna de pié a derecha con media luna sobre la cabeza, portando una larga antorcha oblicua con ambas manos. ”PXV” en exergo (Potestas XV = año 267 D.C.).

Acuñada: 267 D.C.
Ceca: Antioquía (Göbl) – Asia (RIC)
Rareza: C

Referencias:
RIC Vol.V Parte I #609 Pag.185 - Cohen Vol.V #599 Pag.397 (2f) - DVM #158 Pag.247 - RSC Vol.IV #599 Pag.82 - Göbl 1665k mdelvalle

82-28 - GALIENO (253 - 268 D.C.)Billon Antoniniano 20 x 22 mm 3.2 gr.

Anv: "GALLIENVS AVG" - Busto radiado y vistiendo coraza, viendo a derecha.
Rev: "LVNA LVCIF" – Diana/Luna de pié a derecha con media luna sobre la cabeza, portando una larga antorcha oblicua con ambas manos. ”PXV” en exergo (Potestas XV = año 267 D.C.).

Acuñada: 267 D.C.
Ceca: Antioquía (Göbl) – Asia (RIC)
Rareza: C

Referencias:
RIC Vol.V Parte I #609 Pag.185 - Cohen Vol.V #599 Pag.397 (2f) - Sear RCTV III #10284 Pag.295 - DVM #158 Pag.247 - RSC Vol.IV #599 Pag.82 - Göbl 1665k - Hunter #200 mdelvalle

bE7. RSC 13. DIANA LVCIFERAPlautilla. Augusta, AD 202-205. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.61 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Caracalla, AD 202-203.
PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA Draped bust right
DIANA LVCIFERA Diana Lucifera standing left, holding torch in both hands. RIC IV 366 (Caracalla); RSC 13. 7 commentsLordBest

Crawford 336/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Allius Bala, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Allius Bala, 92 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 18mm).
Rome mint.

Obverse: Diademed head of Diana wearing necklace, facing right; N below chin.

Reverse: Diana Lucifera driving biga of stags to right, holding scepter and reins in left hand and torch in right hand; grasshopper below; C·ALLI in exergue.

References: Crawford 336/1b; Sydenham 595; BMCRR 1744; Aelia 4.

Provenance: Ex CB Collection; privately purchased from CNG (Inventory #940265); The Aurelia Collection [Owl Ltd and Thomas P. McKenna (Oct 1980) Lot 120].

The moneyer is only known from his coins. This type was struck with a series of control letters and symbols. There are multiple dies bearing the same letters and symbols. The grasshopper is the most common of the reverse die symbols, having been paired with most of the obverse letters.

Among other things, the goddess Diana was a hunting goddess equated with Artemis and a moon goddess equated with Luna. As moon goddess, she is often portrayed driving a biga with a crescent above her head or a torch in hand. In the case of this coin and others of the Republican series, her chariot is drawn by stags which also allude to her hunting connection.
2 commentsCarausius

Crispina - Sestertius - RIC 666Obv: CRISPINA AVGVSTA. Bust, draped, r., hair waved, rolled in front and knotted in bun on back of head
Rev: DIANA LVCIFERA S C. Diana standing r., holding torch in both hands.
Size: 30 mm
Weight: 23 g
Date: 180-183 AD
Ref: RIC III 666 (Commodus), BMC 411
Rarity: Svs1969

Denar, RIC 3, p.268, 674 - Faustina II, Diana LuciferaFaustina Minor
AR-Denar, Rome, ca. AD 161
Obv.: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, hair bun tied with pearls
Rev.: DIANA LVCIF, Diana standing left, holding long lighted torch in both hands.
Ag, 3.20g, 17.4mm
Ref.: Strack 520b, BMCRE 87, Cohen 85, RIC 674, CRE 174 [S]
Ex Pecunem Gitbud&Naumann 21 auction, Lot 636shanxi

Denar, RIC 3, p.268, 674 - Faustina II, Diana LuciferaFaustina Minor
AR-Denar, Rome, ca. AD 161
Obv.: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, hair bun without pearls
Rev.: DIANA LVCIF, Diana standing left, holding long lighted torch in both hands.
Ag, 3.41g, 17mm
Ref.: Strack 520b, BMCRE 87, Cohen 85, RIC 674, CRE 174 [S]2 commentsshanxi

Denarius; IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG / DIANA LVCIFERA, RIC 373aJulia Domna Denarius. Struck under Caracalla, 211-217 A.D. 2,3 g, 19 mm. IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, draped bust right / DIANA LVCIFERA, Diana standing left, holding long torch with both hands. RIC 373A [Caracalla], RSC 32, BMC 1, Sear RCV (2002) 7100.Podiceps

Diana (Artemis) as the moon goddessFaustina Junior -- Died 175/6. Wife of Marcus Aurelius. Augusta, AD 147-175/6.
Orichalcum sestertius (30 mm), issued posthumously, Rome mint, AD 176-180.
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA PIA, Bare-headed and draped bust right.
Rev: SIDERIBVS RECEPTA S C, Diva Faustina, as Diana Lucifera, draped, wearing crescent on shoulders behind neck, standing r., holding lighted torch in both hands.
RIC-1715; BMC-1584; Cohen-215.

Diana in her lunar aspect here holds a torch and is shown with a crescent moon on her shoulders. SIDERIBVS RECEPTA = "received by the stars". Diana Lucifera lit the way for the dead to journey to their new home among the heavens, appropriate for a posthumous issue.

Diana - Denar - AD 211-217 (Julia Domna)AR-Denar, Rome Mint (Julia Domna obverse)
Rev.: DIANA LVCIFERA (light bringing Diana), Diana Lucifera standing facing, head left, holding flaming long torch transverse left with both hands
Ag, 3.175g, 18.7mm, 0°

for obverse, reverse and coin details click hereshanxi

DIANA LVCIFERAGordianus III. denariusTibsi

Faustina Jr SestertiusAE Sestertius
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA PIA ; dr. bust r.
Rev: SIDERIBVS RECEPTA S C ; Diana Lucifera stg. r., holding a long torch.
Cohen 2151 commentsTanit

Faustina Junior SestertiusAE Sestertius
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA PIA ; dr. bust r.
Rev: SIDERIBVS RECEPTA SC ; Diana Lucifera stg. r., holding a long torch

C. 215Tanit

Faustina junior, Denarius Rome mint, AD 161/175
FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right
DIANA LVCIF, Diana Lucifera standing left
Ref : RCV #5250Potator II

Gallienus - AE antoninianusAntioch
265-268 AD
14th emission
radiate head left
GALLIENVS AVG
Diana with moon crescent on her head holding torch
LVNA LVCIFERA
Göbl 1664e; RIC 646
3,63g 20mmJ. B.

Gallienus - Gazelle XII RightObverse:- GALLIENVSAVG, Head right with radiate crown
Reverse:- DIANAECONSAVG, Gazelle Right seen from behind
Exergue:- XII
RIC ??? GOBL ???? CUNETIO ???? CMR 14a12(B)

Rare example of a right facing Gazelle XII but seen from behind, which fly's in the face of the Cunetio statement about XI Gazelles only being seen from behind & XII Gazelles not.

Provenance :- Purchased from Harlan J Berk formally a lunalucifera.com coinnogoodnicksleft

Gallienus - LionObverse:- GALLIENVSAVG , Head right with radiate crown
Reverse:- HERCVLICONSAVG , Lion walking left
Exergue:- A
(ex lunalucifera.com coin)
nogoodnicksleft

Gallienus - Pegasus LeftObverse:- [G]ALLIEN[VSAVG] , Head right with radiate crown
Reverse:- SO[LIC]ONSAVG , Pegasus springing left with reins
Exergue:- A (left of the groundline)
(ex lunalucifera.com coin)nogoodnicksleft

Gallienus Antoninianus Luna LuciferaBillon Antoninianus
Gallienus , 253-268CE
Diameter: 21mm, Weight: 3.60 grams, Die axis: 12h

Obverse: GALLIENVS AVG
Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust to right

Reverse: LVNA LVCIFERA
Diana as luna, crescent atop head, advancing to right. Holds lit torch in both hands, drapery billows behind.

Mint: Antioch

References: RIC 646

Notes:
- Struck during sole reign of Gallienus, 260 -268 CE.
-The Roman goddess Luna, the equivalent of the Greek Selene, came to be associated in Rome with Diana. The reverse can be translated as 'Diana bringer of light'.
-The goddess Luna had her own temple on the Aventine Hill, but it was destroyed by the great fire of Rome circa 64 CE during Emperor Nero's reign.

Purchased from Civitas Galleries 2016, with handwritten ticket indicating ex Tom CederlindPharsalos

Gallienus Antoninianus RIC 283Obverse: GALLIENVS AVG, Radiate bust (Sol) with crown.
Reverse: SOLI CONS AVG, Winged horse springing right. 'A' in exergue.

Struck 264-268 A.D. Rome on undersized flan.

Reference:
http://www.lunalucifera.com/Zoo/sol.html#HorseRightImp
http://www.lunalucifera.com/Zoo/Gallienus_Sol_pegasus_1.jpg
http://kevinscoins.ancients.info/rom_imp/pages/gallienus/gal_ant_283.htm
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-82

Gallienus RIC V-1 (S), Asian Mint 609AE 20 mm 3.5 grams
OBV :: GALLIENVS AVG Radiate and cuirassed bust right
REV :: LVNA LVCIF . Diana with crescent headress walking right holding torch. chalmy flowing to left
EX :: PXV (Antioch )
RIC V-1 (S), Asian Mint 609
RIC rated Common
Purchased 08/2008
Johnny

Gordian III 238-244 denariusOb. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG Laureate and draped bust left
Rev. DIANA LVCIFERA, Diana standing right, holding long torch
Ref. RIC127

Diana was the goddess of hunting and wildlife. When depicted as Diana Lucifera with a torch (as here) she represents the "lightbringer"

-:Bacchus:-Bacchus

Gordian III, 238 - 244 ADObv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III facing right.

Rev: DIANA LVCIFERA, Diana Lucifera standing right, holding a flaming torch.

Silver Denarius, Rome mint, 241 - 242 AD

2.6 grams, 22.3 mm, 180°

RIC IViii 127, RSC 69, S8673, VM 672 commentsMatt Inglima

John Adams, 1971 NYU Hall of Fame MedalObv: THE HALL OF FAME FOR GREAT AMERICANS AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY ©1971 - JOHN ADAMS - 1735 - 1826, portrait of Adams facing slightly to left within a circle of 13 stars, a quill below.

Rev: PRINCIPAL - RIGHT - ABOVE - EVIL, a war in Heaven between Good and Evil in the forms of Michael and Lucifer.

Category: Statesman

Year Elected: 1900

Medal Issued: 1971

Sculptor: Don DeLue

Mint: Medallic Art Company

Details: Bronze, 44 mm, 0°
Matt Inglima

Julia Domina, Diana LuciferaObv: Julia Domina Draped bust right. IVLIA AVGVSTA
Rev: Diana Lucifera SC Diana standing left, with crescent on neck, holding torch in both hands
Sestertius Roman
193-211 AD
30mmDaniel J

JULIA DOMNAAR denarius. 214 AD. Draped bust right. IVLIA FELIX AVG. / Diana standing left,holding flaming torch with both hands. DIANA LVCIFERA.
RSC 32. s 7100.benito

JULIA DOMNAAR denarius. 214 AD. Draped bust right. IVLIA FELIX AVG. / Diana standing left,holding flaming torch with both hands. DIANA LVCIFERA.
RSC 32. s 7100. benito

JULIA DOMNAAR denarius. 215 AD. 3,21 grs. Draped bust right. IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG. / Luna in biga of horses galloping left,drapery bellowing in semicircle behind. LVNA LUCIFERA
RIC ( Caracalla) 379 c. Cohen 105. RSC 105 benito

Julia Domna - Diana LuciferaDenarius 196
O/ IULIA - AUGUSTA Draped bust right
R/ DIANA - LU-CIFERA Diana, crescent on shoulder, standing half-left, holding long torch in both hands
C 27 - RIC S638
Mint: Laodicea1 commentsseptimus

Julia Domna Denarius Diana LuciferaObv.
JVLIA PIA FELIX AVG

Rev.
DIANA LVCIFERA
Diana standing left, holding long torch with both hands

1 commentsancientdave

Julia Domna, denariusRome Mint
IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG
Draped bust right.
DIANA LVCIFERA
Diana standing left, holding torch with both hands.
3,20gr
Ref: 373a
byzancia

Julia Domna, DenariusRome mint, AD 214
IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, draped bust right
DIANA LVCIFERA, Diana Lucifera standing left holding long torch in hands
3.32 gr, 18 mm
Ref : RCV # 7100, RSC # 32, RIC IV-1 # 375a
Ex Auctiones.ch
3 commentsPotator II

Julia Domna, LVCIFERAJulia Domna Augusta Silver denarius. Silver denarius, RIC IV 548, VF, Rome mint, 2.867g, 18.0mm, 0o, 196 - 211 A.D.; obverse IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bus right; reverse DIANA LVCIFERA (light bringing Diana), Diana standing left crescent over shoulders, holding transverse flaming torch in both hands. Lucifer means lightbringer, from the Latin lux "light" and ferre "to bear or bring." The word Lucifer is found in only one place in the Bible -- Isaiah 14:12 -- but only in the King James and related versions: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! The King James Version is based on the Vulgate, the Latin translation of Jerome. Jerome translated the Hebrew helel (bright or brilliant one) as "lucifer," which was a reasonable Latin equivalent. And yet it is this lucifer, the bright one or lightbearer, that came to be understood by so many as the name for Satan, Lord of Darkness. -- Sunrise magazine, October/November 1996. ex FORVM, photo credit FORVMPodiceps

Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, mother of Caracalla and GetaObv: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, draped bust of Julia Domna facing right.

Rev: DIANA LVCIFERA, Diana Lucifera standing left holding a long torch in both hands.

Silver Denarius, Rome mint, 214 AD

3.7 grams, 18.1 mm, 180°

RIC IVi Caracalla 373A, RSC 32, S71001 commentsMatt Inglima

Julia Domna- Diana Lucifera Laodicea Mint RIC 638Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA
Julia Domna draped, right
Rev: DIANA LVCIFERA
Diana holding torch with crescent at her shoulders.

Laodicea Mint, AD 196
RIC 638. BMCRE 277, 598. RSC 27a. RCV 6578
This coin displays the trademark loop of fabric on Domna's neck, marking it as the product of the mint at Laodicea ad Mare (modern Latakia, Syria). It is a fine example of the Eastern style of the Laodicea mint.2 comments

Luna LuciferaAR Antoninianus, Rome mint, struck in A.D.215 (under Caracalla)
Obv: IVLIA PIA - FELIX AVG Diademed, draped bust right, crescent behind shoulders
Rev: LVNA LVCIFERA Luna, crescent on her head, driving biga pulled by horses left, drapery billowing in a semi-circle behind her head.
Weight: 5.12g

RIC.C.379a Sear RCV II 7096

ex F Sternberg Auction, Zurich, November 1975, Lot 153

Luna, the moon-goddess, is depicted only rarely on Roman coins, and is usually equated with Diana Lucifera (the Light Bringer). She is only named on coins of Julia Domna, Gallienus and Salonina. Luna is depicted in a biga pulled by two horses only on coins of Julia Domna, as in this example. However, a very similar depiction is shown on another coin of Caracalla, where the biga is pulled by bulls that have a definite attribution to Diana Lucifera. Otherwise Luna Lucifera is depicted with a crescent on her head standing holding a long torch.
nemesis

Luna LuciferaBase AR Antoninianus of Cyzicus of Gallienus, Sole Reign, A.D.260-268

Obv: GALLIENVS AVG Radiate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: LVNA LVCIFERA Luna, crescent on head, holding long torch in both hands.

RIC S646 RSC IV 601a Not listed in Sear RCV III
Weight: 3.58g

This is the alternative depiction of Luna Lucifera, the Light-Bringer, where she is shown holding a long torch and wearing the distinctive crescent on her head.
nemesis

P. ClodiusP. Clodius --AR Denarius. Apollo, Lyre behind. / Diana lucifera, two torches. Crawford 494/23; HCRI 184; Sydenham 1117; Claudia 154 commentsfeatherz

P. Clodius M.f. TurrinusSilver denarius, Rome, 42 BC
Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind
Diana Lucifera standing facing, holding two long torches,
bow and quiver on shoulder, P. CLODIVS to right, M.F to left.
Crawford 494/23. Sydenham 1117.Sergius Silus

P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus42 BC
AR Denarius (18mm, 3.86g)
O: Laureate head of Apollo right; lyre behind.
R: Diana Lucifera standing facing, holding two long torches, bow and quiver on her shoulder; M.F - CLODIVS flanking.
RSC Claudia 15; Crawford 424-23; Sydenham 1117; CRI 184; RSC Claudia 15; BMC 4290
ex Sayles & Lavender

TO APOLLO AND DIANA
Virgins, sing the Virgin Huntress;
Youths, the youthful Phoebus sing;
Sing Latona, she who bore them
Dearest to the eternal King:
Sing the heavenly maid who roves
Joyous, through the mountain groves;
She who winding waters loves;
Let her haunts her praises ring!

Sing the vale of Peneus’ river;
Sing the Delian deity;
The shoulder glorious with its quiver’
And the lyre of Mercury.
From our country, at our prayer -
Famine, plague, and tearful war
These, benign, shall drive afar
To Persia’s plains or Britain’s sea.
~ Horace (Odes 1,21)
2 commentsEnodia

P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus (RSC I Claudia 15, Coin #759)RSC I Claudia 15, AR Denarius, Rome, 42 BC
OBV: Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind.
REV: M•F• / P•CLODIVS; Diana Lucifera (the light bringer) standing right holding two long lit torches.
SIZE: 19.2mm, 3.10gMaynardGee

P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus - AR denariusRome
42 BC
laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind
Diana Lucifera standing half right holding torch in each hand
P·CLODIVS / M·F
SRCV I 492, RSC I Claudia 15, Sydenham 1117, Crawford 494/21, BMCRR 4287
3,8g 18,5mm
ex NaumannJ. B.

P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus 42b.c. DenariusLaureate head of Apollo right, Lyre behind. Reverse. Diana Lucifera standing facing holding two long torches, bow and quiver on her shoulder, P. CLODIVS on right, M.F on left.Philoromaos

plated Republican denarius, P. Clodius M.f. TurrinusP. Clodius M.f. Turrinus, 42 BC
18mm, 2.87g
obv: laureate head of Apollo right, hair in knot, falling in two locks; lyre behind
rev: Diana Lucifera, wearing long drapery, standing facing, head right, holding lighted long torch in each hand, bow and quiver on her shoulder; P • CLODIVS • to right, M • F • to leftareich

Plautilla Denarius - Rome - Diana Lucifera - No.14Plautilla
Denarius
205 A.D.
Rome
Av.: PLAVTILLA - AVGVSTA / draped bust right (Hill: Lii)
Rev.: DIANA - LVCIFERA / Diana standing left, bow on back, holding torch with both hand
3,55 Gr., 12 h die axis
RIC 366, Coh. 13, Hill 702

The last and rarest denarii issue for Plautilla in early 205, before she was exiled. nummis durensis

PostumeDIANAE LVCIFERAE
2,44g
19-18mmPYL

Publius ClodiusObv. /
Laureate head of Apollo right, lyra behind
Rev. P CLODIVS MF
Diana Lucifera standing facing, looking right, bow and quiver at shoulder, holding long light torch in each hand
Denarius, Rome 42 BC,
18 mm 3,619g SEAR 184 Crawford 494/23
Ex LVCERNAE Auction TERTIA III number 168 07.11.2021 ( better in hand )Priscus

RIC 4a, p.272, 373a - Julia Domna, DIANA LVCIFERAJulia Domna
AR-Denar, Rome Mint, AD 211-217
Obv.: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, draped bust right, hair in horizontal ridges, bun at the back, looped plait from ear around back of neck
Rev.: DIANA LVCIFERA (light bringing Diana), Diana Lucifera standing facing, head left, holding flaming long torch transverse left with both hands
Ag, 3.175g, 18.7mm, 0°
Ref.: RIC IV 373a; RSC III 32; BMCRE V p. 430, C1
Ex Numismatik Naumann
Ex FORVM ANCIENT COINSshanxi

RIC 4c, p.028, 127 - Gordianus III, Diana LuciferaGordianus III
Denar, Rome
Obv.: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev.: DIANA LVCIFERA, Diana standing right, holding long torch.
AR, 2.77g, 18.9mm
Ref.: RIC 1271 commentsshanxi

ROMAN EMPIRE - REPUBLIC - P CLODIVSRoman Republic Denarius - Apollo & Diana - Rome, Imperatorial Period 42 BC - Octavian, Antony, Lepidus, Dictators, Silver Denarius Obv: no legend - Apollo head right with lyre behind head Rev: M-F (on left) P CLODIVS (on right) - Diana Lucifera standing right holding long torch in each hand. Rome mint 42 BC = M. Crawford, Vol. I, p. 506, 494/23, Vol. II, Pl. LIX, 17; D. Sear I, p. 163, 492, 3.28 g.
This coin refers to the Sabine origin of the moneyer's family, worship of Diana was introduced into Rome by the Sabines.
dpaul7

ROMAN EMPIRE, Gallienus, Sole Reign, A.D.260-268Base AR Antoninianus of Cyzicus

Obv: GALLIENVS AVG Radiate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: LVNA LVCIFERA Luna, crescent on head, holding long torch in both hands.

RIC S646 RSC IV 601a Not listed in Sear RCV III
Weight: 3.58g
nemesis

Roman Empire, Julia DommnaJulia Domna AR-Denar Rom Diana

Kaiserin: Julia Domna, gest. 217 n.C.

Nominal: AR-Denar.

Stadt: Rom.

Vs.: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG Drapierte Büste der Kaiserin nach rechts.

Rs.: DIANA LVCIFERA Diana steht nach links, hält brennende Fackel.

Erhaltung: gutes sehr schön.

Maße: 2,57g, 19mm. Kamp: 50.69.

Verkäufer:dionysos_numismatik,Hamburg.3 comments

ROMAN EMPIRE, Julia Domna, AR AntoninianusAR Antoninianus, Rome mint, struck in A.D.215 (under Caracalla)
Obv: IVLIA PIA - FELIX AVG Diademed, draped bust right, crescent behind shoulders
Rev: LVNA LVCIFERA Luna driving biga pulled by horses left, drapery billowing in a semi-circle behind her head.
Weight: 5.12g

RIC.C.379a Sear RCV II 7096

ex F Sternberg Auction, Zurich, November 1975, Lot 153
1 commentsnemesis

ROMAN EMPIRE, Julia Domna- Diana Lucifera Laodicea Mint RIC 638ROMAN EMPIRE, Julia Domna- Diana Lucifera Laodicea Mint RIC 638
Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA
Julia Domna draped, right
Rev: DIANA LVCIFERA
Diana holding torch with crescent at her shoulders.

Laodicea Mint
RIC 638. BMCRE 277, 598. RSC 27a. RCV 6578

3 commentsdougsmit

ROMAN REPUBLIC, Clodius Turrinus FourreObv: Anepigraphic, Head of Apollo facing right;
Rev: Diana Lucifera bearing two torches, standing facing, bow and quiver on her shoulder, P. CLODIVS to right, M.F. to left.
Denarius subaeratus, (3,01 g, 18 mm)

Reproducing RRC 494/23, RSC Claudia 15 of ca. 42 B.C.The original coin would have been struck under the second triumvirate, possibly the year Cassius and Brutus were defeated at Second Philippi. Syltorian

Roman Republic, P. Clodius M.f. TurrinusMoneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome
42 BC
AR Denarius, 17 mm, 3.5 grams, 180 degrees
Rome mint

O: Laureate head of Apollo right; lyre to left

R: Diana Lucifera standing right, bow and quiver over her shoulder, holding torches. P. CLODIVS to right; M.F. to left.

Ref: RSC Claudia 15; Crawford 494/23; CRI 184; Sydenham 1117; RBW 1727

Notes: My first Republican coin, have had this one a few years. I would rate this one as Fine, reverse slightly off center. Pretty nice coin in hand.2 commentsVirgil H

ROMAN REPUBLIC, P.Clodius M.f. Turrinus. AR denarius. Rome, 42 BC.Obv. Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind. Bankers mark behind head.
Rev. Diana Lucifera with bow and quiver over shoulder holding lighted torch in each hand. P CLODIVS MF
Ref. Albert 1583, Crawford 494/23, Sear 492.
Coin: Diana Lucifera is the bearer of light, also called Hekate, carries the torch symbolizing spiritual resurrection and illumination. The Greeks knew her as Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo, and daughter of Zeus and Leto. She was born under Mount Cynthus in Delos and hence was also called Cynthia and Delia. She was the goddess of hunting, carried a bow and quiver like her brother, and was especially fond of music and dance. Diana was never conquered by love, and submitted to no man, hence she was the goddess of a "chaste" moon and, except for her family, tolerated only female companions. Her priestesses were all chaste and this festival was celebrated with daily music and dance until the kalends of June.
19mm.

RRC 494/23 (Clodius Turrinus) SubaeratusObv: Anepigraphic, Head of Apollo facing right;
Rev: Diana Lucifera bearing two torches, standing facing, bow and quiver on her shoulder, P. CLODIVS to right, M.F. to left.
Denarius subaeratus, (3,01 g, 18 mm)

Reproducing RRC 494/23, RSC Claudia 15 of ca. 42 B.C.The original coin would have been struck under the second triumvirate, possibly the year Cassius and Brutus were defeated at Second Philippi. Syltorian

Struck Imitation of Faustina I denariusFaustina Jr.
PB denarius
c. 161-180 AD
Draped bust r.
FAVSTINA AVGVSTA
Diana Lucifera standing l., holding long torch
DIANA LVCIF
Cf. RIC III 674

Iron or copper inclusion on reverse.Ardatirion

The Roman Empire. Julia Domna AR DenariusThe Roman Empire. Julia Domna AR Denarius. Rome, AD 215-217. IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, draped bust right / LVNA LVCIFERA, Luna, with veil billowing above her head, holding reins and driving galloping biga left. RIC 379c (Caracalla); BMCRE 10; RSC 105. 2.84g, 19mm, 1h.

Ex CNG eAuction 465, 8th April 2020, Lot 429.

Julia Domna, the ambitious wife of Septimius Severus, was associated with a number of deities on her coins. They included Cybele (mother of the Gods), Venus (Goddess of beauty & love) and here with Diana as the moon-goddess Luna Lucifera, ‘the light-bearing moon’, who is commanding a biga of horses. Septimius Severus had himself issued coins associating himself with the sun-god Sol, and so by identifying themselves in this way Domna and Severus emphasise the eternal nature of the imperial house. Luna Lucifera only appears with her own name on the coins of Domna and Gallienus with issues appearing in gold, silver and bronze.

One aspect of the coinage of Julia Domna I find particularly fascinating is in the evolution of her portraits over time...in her earlier years she appears as an attractive young woman, and towards the end of her career she is shown as a rather stern looking scowling old crone. I guess that could be where her son Caracalla got his scowl from...Paulus J

Valerian Antoninianus, 254-255 AD. Diana LuciferaObv: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG, Radiate, draped bust right.
Rev: FELICITAS SAECVLI. Diana Lucifera draped walking to the right, holding a lit torch in both hands; the head surmounted by a crescent moon.ancientone

[1114a] Claudius II Gothicus, September 268 - August or September 270 A.D.Silvered antoninianus, RIC V 197 var (pellet in exergue), aEF, 3.880g, 21.1mm, 0o, Antioch mint, 268 - 270 A.D.; Obverse: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; Reverse: AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing left, scales in right, cornucopia in left, • in exergue; full silvering, bold strike, excellent centering and eastern style, rare this nice; rare variety. Ex FORVM.

De Imperatoribus Romanis
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors

Claudius II Gothicus (268-270)

Richard D. Weigel
Western Kentucky University

M. Aurelius Claudius, known to history as Claudius Gothicus or Claudius II, was born in either Dalmatia or Illyria on May 10, probably in A.D. 213 or 214. Although the most substantive source on Claudius is the biography in the Scriptores Historiae Augustae (SHA), this account is riddled with fabrications and slanted with fawning praise for this particular emperor, who in the fourth century was viewed as an ancestor of Constantine's father and thus of the ruling imperial family. This biography, attributed to one Trebellius Pollio, must be read with extreme caution and supplemented with information from other sources, including Aurelius Victor, the Epitome de Caesaribus, Eutropius, Orosius, Zonaras, and Zosimus, as well as coins and inscriptions.

The SHA account describes Claudius as being tall, with fiery eyes, and so strong that he could knock out the teeth of man or beast with one punch. It also says that Trajan Decius rewarded him after Claudius demonstrated his strength while wrestling another soldier in the Campus Martius. The SHA author suggests that Claudius may have been descended from the Trojan King Ilus and even from Dardanus, son of Zeus and ancestor of the Trojan royal family, but these suggestions are very likely fabricated to further ennoble Claudius and his putative descendants, the family of Constantine. The SHA biography also includes false letters attributed to the emperors Trajan Decius, Valerian, and Gallienus, all attesting to their high opinions of Claudius. Reference is made in these letters to Claudius' service as tribune in an otherwise unattested legion V Martialis and also as general in command of Illyria, but these positions may also be fictitious. One can assume that Claudius had served for some time in the army, at least under Gallienus and perhaps also under several earlier emperors.

There is some evidence that Claudius was wounded in Gallienus' campaign to put down the revolt of Ingenuus and that he later served with Aureolus under Gallienus in the war with Postumus. By 268, when Gallienus took his troops into Italy to put down Aureolus' revolt, Claudius had emerged as heir-apparent to Gallienus and may also have been involved in the plot to assassinate the emperor. Aurelius Victor says that when Gallienus was killed by his own troops besieging Aureolus in Milan, Claudius as tribune was commanding the soldiers stationed at Ticinum, some twenty miles to the south, and that prior to dying Gallienus designated Claudius as his heir. Victor goes on to claim that after succeeding to the purple Claudius forced the Senate to deify Gallienus. The SHA account states that the soldiers mutinied after Gallienus' death and had to be quieted with a donative of twenty aurei each before settling down and accepting their new emperor. Once in power, Claudius quickly dealt with Aureolus, who surrendered and was killed almost immediately. The new emperor also demanded clemency for the supporters of Gallienus.

The story of Gallienus' deathbed selection of his successor is doubtful at best and is very likely an attempt to deflect blame for the assassination plot from Claudius. The suggestion that the new emperor pressured the Senate to deify Gallienus is more difficult to assess. It is true that securing divine status for one's predecessor is generally seen as a pious act (e.g. Antoninus Pius requesting deification of Hadrian) that reflects positively on the initiator and the story, recorded only in Aurelius Victor, could just be a fabrication used to build up Claudius' moral reputation. What is difficult to penetrate is the biased condemnation of Gallienus that particularly dominates the Latin sources. They make it hard to see why anyone would want to deify Gallienus and so the story seems out of place. However, deification of a predecessor could also be interpreted as the expected thing to do and the act could have fostered legitimacy of the new emperor and gained support from those who were still loyal to Gallienus so it may well have taken place.

The first major challenge facing the new emperor was that of the Alemanni, who had invaded Raetia and Italy. After an early defeat, Claudius replaced some irresponsible officers and soldiers, designated Aurelian as cavalry commander, and led the army to a decisive victory over the Alemanni. This victory earned Claudius the title of Germanicus Maximus and several of his coin-types appear to refer to victory over the Germans.

In 269 Claudius served as consul with Paternus. This year would also feature his major campaign against the Goths. There are indications that Spain separated itself from the Gallo-Roman Empire of Postumus and Tetricus and recognized Claudius, at least nominally, as emperor. In addition, rebellion within Gaul itself demonstrated the weakening of this independent state, although Claudius avoided engagement at Augustodunum and chose only to send a small force to protect Narbonese Gaul. While Claudius concentrated on protecting Roman territory against the Alemanni and Goths, Zenobia extended her Palmyrene Empire by taking Antioch, parts of Asia Minor, and most of Egypt. Although Eusebius and Sulpicius Severus portray the period between the reign of Valerian and that of Diocletian as a peaceful pause in the persecution of Christians, the Acts of the Martyrs does list some individuals allegedly martyred during Claudius II's reign.

The coins issued by Claudius II provide some limited insight into his reign. In addition to the standard "personified virtues" coins that are common with most emperors of the second and third centuries, Claudius struck coin-types proclaiming the security of the Empire (SECVRITAS PERPETVA and PAX AETERNA), the fidelity of the army (FIDES MILITVM), and military victories over the Germans and Goths (VICTORIA GERMAN and VICTORIAE GOTHIC). In addition, Claudius Gothicus' mints struck some other interesting and unusual coin-types. For example, Claudius is one of very few emperors who issued coins portraying the god Vulcan. These must have been limited issues because they are struck only by the Antioch mint and are very rare. The type shows Vulcan standing, with his special tools, the hammer and tongs, and features the unique inscription REGI ARTIS. A variant type with a similar image has been described as carrying another unique coin inscription, DEO CABIRO, and interpreted as depicting one of Vulcan's sons, the Cabiri, with the same tools. However, the existence of this variant type is doubtful. Although the reason for honoring Vulcan (and his sons?) with these coins is unclear, there may be a connection to the fact that the Cabiri were patron gods of Thessalonica who had protected that city against an attack by the Goths. Although a connection between Claudius Gothicus and the Cabiri as defenders against Gothic attacks is relatively attractive, it is weakened somewhat by the fact that Valerian and Gallienus had also issued coins with Vulcan in a temple so there may be some other reason for his reappearance on coins in this period.

Claudius II issued an unusual and scarce series of coins that features a pair of deities, who are presumably conservatores Augusti, on each reverse. The AETER AVG type depicts Apollo and Diana, who, as gods of the sun and moon, are associated with the concept of aeternitas. A type featuring Serapis and Isis is combined with a CONSER AVG inscription and one of Hercules and Minerva with one of CONSERVATORES AVG. Apollo and Diana are depicted with a SALVS AVG inscription, Aesculapius and Salus with one of SPES PVBLIC, and Vulcan and Minerva with VIRT AVG. The general message is that these deities will protect the future of the empire and the emperor.

Other unusual coin-types include MARS VLTOR, the god Augustus had honored with a temple for securing revenge for Caesar's assassination. This deity had appeared on Roman coins in the reigns of Galba and Severus Alexander. Claudius II also minted coins with rarely-seen NEPTVN AVG [see this reverse type in my collection] and SOL AVG types. The latter coin indicates some early interest in the god who would become so dominant a few years later on the coins of Aurelian, yet Claudius also used the INVICTVS AVG inscription that Gallienus had paired with an image of Sol with one of Hercules. ROMAE AETERNAE coin-types were fairly common in the mid-third century, but Claudius II issued an unusual variant type on an aureus that showed the goddess in her temple and echoed the SAECVLVM NOVVM images associated with Philip I. In addition, Claudius introduced a IOVI VICTORI reverse combined with the image normally paired with a IOVI STATORI inscription and a IOVI FVLGERAT reverse inscription, both of which had not been used by any of his predecessors. Andreas Alföldi suggested that Claudius' GENIVS SENATVS type signified improvement of the relationship between emperor and Senate following the senatorial hostility toward Gallienus.

Claudius Gothicus also produced coin-types with reverses of goddesses customarily found paired on coins with images of the Roman empresses. The deities portrayed include Ceres, Diana, Diana Lucifera, and Diana Victrix, Minerva, Venus, and the goddess naturally associated with the image of an empress, Juno Regina. One might suggest that Claudius issued these images because he had no empress with which to pair them, but an examination of other emperors' reigns during this period reveals that those emperors who did not issue coins bearing the empress' image also did not strike these particular goddess types. Although Ceres and Venus images are sometimes paired with an emperor's portrait, Diana Lucifera is rarely found on emperors' coins and Claudius II is the only emperor paired on coins with Juno Regina. In addition, Claudius was the first emperor to issue imperial coins that featured an isolated image of the exotic Egyptian goddess, Isis Faria.

Claudius II's short reign was vulnerable to internal as well as external attack. There may have been a revolt in 269-270 led by a Censorinus, although the date and even the existence of this usurper remain in doubt. The SHA includes him as the last of the "thirty tyrants" and lists a whole series of offices for him, including two consulships, but no other record exists to confirm such service. The SHA account states that he was proclaimed emperor by his soldiers, but soon afterwards killed by them because of his enforcement of strict discipline. His tomb is listed as being in Bologna, which may provide some idea of the location for the revolt. Henry Cohen dates the revolt to the beginning of the year 270, perhaps on the basis of a reference in the Epitome de Caesaribus, but suggests that coins attributed to Censorinus in earlier works may not exist.

The Gothic challenge in 269 proved to be the greatest that Claudius II would face. The Goths assembled a large invading force, reportedly amounting to 320,000 men transported on a fleet of at least 2,000 ships, and first attacked coastal cities along the Black Sea in Moesia. After passing into the Aegean the Goths besieged Thessalonica. At this point, in 269, Claudius left Rome to stop the invasion. The Goths then sent the larger segment of their troops on land toward the Danube, while the fleet took the remaining group to continue the naval attack on Aegean coastal cities. Claudius sent Aurelian's cavalry to Macedonia to protect Illyria from attack, while he commanded the forces blocking the route to the Danube. In the area of Doberus and Pelagonia, the Goths lost 3,000 men to Aurelian's cavalry. At Naissus in Moesia, Claudius' force succeeded in killing some 50,000 Goths. There were follow-up operations on both land and sea, but the Gothic War had essentially been won. Staving off the attacks of the Goths was a major contribution to the survival of the Roman Empire. It was a significant step leading to the subsequent success of Aurelian and the resurrection of the Empire under Diocletian and Constantine. When the Goths eventually succeeded in taking parts of the western Empire in the fifth century, their disruption to the course of civilization was likely much less violent than it would have been had they succeeded in the third century.

In addition to bad weather, a lack of supplies, and hunger, plague was a major factor in the defeat of the Goths. Many of the Gothic prisoners were either impressed into Roman military service or settled on farms as coloni. Claudius received the title Gothicus in recognition of his triumph over the Goths. At some point he had also been given the title Parthicus, but the unlikelihood of any conflict with the Parthians in his short reign makes this difficult to explain. Perhaps Damerau was correct in his suggestion that a Parthian unit may have been involved in one of the battles with the Palmyrenes, although on this front there were few achievements to claim. In any case, Claudius' victory over the Goths was short-lived. The emperor himself caught the plague and died at Sirmium early in 270. He was 56 years old. Claudius' brother, Quintillus, became emperor briefly before losing out to Aurelian. Claudius also had another brother, Crispus, and the SHA traces the link to Constantius through Crispus' daughter Claudia.

The Roman Senate showed its respect for Claudius Gothicus by setting up a gold portrait-shield in the Curia and by approving his deification. He was also honored with a golden statue in front of the great temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus and a silver statue set on a column on the Rostra.

In many ways, Claudius II received more adulation and honor in his Nachleben than he had during his lifetime. In the fourth century, attempts to link Constantine's family to Claudius resulted in the phrases of adoration and outright fabrication that dominate the SHA life and most of our other sources. Constantine even issued commemorative coins honoring Claudius. These carried inscriptions such as: DIVO CLAVDIO OPT[IMO] IMP[ERATORI], MEMORIAE AETERNAE, and REQVIES OPT[IMORVM] ME[RITORVM]. A tradition grew that changed the story of Claudius' death in some sources. In this version, Claudius, instead of dying from the plague, had actually performed a devotion, in response to an oracle found in the Sibylline Books, and sacrificed his life so that Rome could win the Gothic War. One of the most surprising things about the SHA account is that it ignores this more dramatic tradition and has Claudius simply dying from the plague.

One must, of course, reject the excessive claims of the SHA to the effect that Claudius II was "destined to rule for the good of the human race" and would, had he lived longer, "…by his strength, his counsel, and his foresight have restored to us the Scipios, the Camilli, and all those men of old." However, Claudius Gothicus was clearly a good emperor who made a significant contribution to protecting and restoring the Empire. In the third century there aren't too many emperors who merit such an assessment.

Copyright (C) 2001, Richard D. Weigel. Used by permission.
http://www.roman-emperors.org/claudgot.htm

Claudius II Gothicus was born in Illyricum around 215 A.D. Under Valerian and Gallienus he was recognized as a superb general. After the murder of Gallienus, Claudius Gothicus was proclaimed emperor and preceded to crush the Alemani tribe who had invaded Roman territory. Soon after an enormous horde of Goths poured into the empire. Against all advice, Claudius confronted the barbarians at Naissus in Upper Moesia. He fought a brilliant battle and annihilated them. Unfortunately for the empire, he died of plague after a reign of only two years (Joseph Sermarini, FORVM;
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?vpar=741&pos=0#Recovery%20of%20the%20Empire%20Coins).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.Cleisthenes

[1114b] Claudius II Gothicus, September 268 - August or September 270 A.D.Bronze antoninianus, RIC V 214, VF, 2.930g, 20.3mm, 180o, Antioch mint; Obverse: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate bust right; Reverse: NEPTVN AVG, Neptune standing left, dolphin in right, trident in left hand, • in exergue; excellent centering. Ex FORVM.

De Imperatoribus Romanis
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors

Claudius II Gothicus (268-270)

Richard D. Weigel
Western Kentucky University

M. Aurelius Claudius, known to history as Claudius Gothicus or Claudius II, was born in either Dalmatia or Illyria on May 10, probably in A.D. 213 or 214. Although the most substantive source on Claudius is the biography in the Scriptores Historiae Augustae (SHA), this account is riddled with fabrications and slanted with fawning praise for this particular emperor, who in the fourth century was viewed as an ancestor of Constantine's father and thus of the ruling imperial family. This biography, attributed to one Trebellius Pollio, must be read with extreme caution and supplemented with information from other sources, including Aurelius Victor, the Epitome de Caesaribus, Eutropius, Orosius, Zonaras, and Zosimus, as well as coins and inscriptions.

The SHA account describes Claudius as being tall, with fiery eyes, and so strong that he could knock out the teeth of man or beast with one punch. It also says that Trajan Decius rewarded him after Claudius demonstrated his strength while wrestling another soldier in the Campus Martius. The SHA author suggests that Claudius may have been descended from the Trojan King Ilus and even from Dardanus, son of Zeus and ancestor of the Trojan royal family, but these suggestions are very likely fabricated to further ennoble Claudius and his putative descendants, the family of Constantine. The SHA biography also includes false letters attributed to the emperors Trajan Decius, Valerian, and Gallienus, all attesting to their high opinions of Claudius. Reference is made in these letters to Claudius' service as tribune in an otherwise unattested legion V Martialis and also as general in command of Illyria, but these positions may also be fictitious. One can assume that Claudius had served for some time in the army, at least under Gallienus and perhaps also under several earlier emperors.

There is some evidence that Claudius was wounded in Gallienus' campaign to put down the revolt of Ingenuus and that he later served with Aureolus under Gallienus in the war with Postumus. By 268, when Gallienus took his troops into Italy to put down Aureolus' revolt, Claudius had emerged as heir-apparent to Gallienus and may also have been involved in the plot to assassinate the emperor. Aurelius Victor says that when Gallienus was killed by his own troops besieging Aureolus in Milan, Claudius as tribune was commanding the soldiers stationed at Ticinum, some twenty miles to the south, and that prior to dying Gallienus designated Claudius as his heir. Victor goes on to claim that after succeeding to the purple Claudius forced the Senate to deify Gallienus. The SHA account states that the soldiers mutinied after Gallienus' death and had to be quieted with a donative of twenty aurei each before settling down and accepting their new emperor. Once in power, Claudius quickly dealt with Aureolus, who surrendered and was killed almost immediately. The new emperor also demanded clemency for the supporters of Gallienus.

The story of Gallienus' deathbed selection of his successor is doubtful at best and is very likely an attempt to deflect blame for the assassination plot from Claudius. The suggestion that the new emperor pressured the Senate to deify Gallienus is more difficult to assess. It is true that securing divine status for one's predecessor is generally seen as a pious act (e.g. Antoninus Pius requesting deification of Hadrian) that reflects positively on the initiator and the story, recorded only in Aurelius Victor, could just be a fabrication used to build up Claudius' moral reputation. What is difficult to penetrate is the biased condemnation of Gallienus that particularly dominates the Latin sources. They make it hard to see why anyone would want to deify Gallienus and so the story seems out of place. However, deification of a predecessor could also be interpreted as the expected thing to do and the act could have fostered legitimacy of the new emperor and gained support from those who were still loyal to Gallienus so it may well have taken place.

The first major challenge facing the new emperor was that of the Alemanni, who had invaded Raetia and Italy. After an early defeat, Claudius replaced some irresponsible officers and soldiers, designated Aurelian as cavalry commander, and led the army to a decisive victory over the Alemanni. This victory earned Claudius the title of Germanicus Maximus and several of his coin-types appear to refer to victory over the Germans.

In 269 Claudius served as consul with Paternus. This year would also feature his major campaign against the Goths. There are indications that Spain separated itself from the Gallo-Roman Empire of Postumus and Tetricus and recognized Claudius, at least nominally, as emperor. In addition, rebellion within Gaul itself demonstrated the weakening of this independent state, although Claudius avoided engagement at Augustodunum and chose only to send a small force to protect Narbonese Gaul. While Claudius concentrated on protecting Roman territory against the Alemanni and Goths, Zenobia extended her Palmyrene Empire by taking Antioch, parts of Asia Minor, and most of Egypt. Although Eusebius and Sulpicius Severus portray the period between the reign of Valerian and that of Diocletian as a peaceful pause in the persecution of Christians, the Acts of the Martyrs does list some individuals allegedly martyred during Claudius II's reign.

The coins issued by Claudius II provide some limited insight into his reign. In addition to the standard "personified virtues" coins that are common with most emperors of the second and third centuries, Claudius struck coin-types proclaiming the security of the Empire (SECVRITAS PERPETVA and PAX AETERNA), the fidelity of the army (FIDES MILITVM), and military victories over the Germans and Goths (VICTORIA GERMAN and VICTORIAE GOTHIC). In addition, Claudius Gothicus' mints struck some other interesting and unusual coin-types. For example, Claudius is one of very few emperors who issued coins portraying the god Vulcan. These must have been limited issues because they are struck only by the Antioch mint and are very rare. The type shows Vulcan standing, with his special tools, the hammer and tongs, and features the unique inscription REGI ARTIS. A variant type with a similar image has been described as carrying another unique coin inscription, DEO CABIRO, and interpreted as depicting one of Vulcan's sons, the Cabiri, with the same tools. However, the existence of this variant type is doubtful. Although the reason for honoring Vulcan (and his sons?) with these coins is unclear, there may be a connection to the fact that the Cabiri were patron gods of Thessalonica who had protected that city against an attack by the Goths. Although a connection between Claudius Gothicus and the Cabiri as defenders against Gothic attacks is relatively attractive, it is weakened somewhat by the fact that Valerian and Gallienus had also issued coins with Vulcan in a temple so there may be some other reason for his reappearance on coins in this period.

Claudius II issued an unusual and scarce series of coins that features a pair of deities, who are presumably conservatores Augusti, on each reverse. The AETER AVG type depicts Apollo and Diana, who, as gods of the sun and moon, are associated with the concept of aeternitas. A type featuring Serapis and Isis is combined with a CONSER AVG inscription and one of Hercules and Minerva with one of CONSERVATORES AVG. Apollo and Diana are depicted with a SALVS AVG inscription, Aesculapius and Salus with one of SPES PVBLIC, and Vulcan and Minerva with VIRT AVG. The general message is that these deities will protect the future of the empire and the emperor.

Other unusual coin-types include MARS VLTOR, the god Augustus had honored with a temple for securing revenge for Caesar's assassination. This deity had appeared on Roman coins in the reigns of Galba and Severus Alexander. Claudius II also minted coins with rarely-seen NEPTVN AVG [see this reverse type in my collection] and SOL AVG types. The latter coin indicates some early interest in the god who would become so dominant a few years later on the coins of Aurelian, yet Claudius also used the INVICTVS AVG inscription that Gallienus had paired with an image of Sol with one of Hercules. ROMAE AETERNAE coin-types were fairly common in the mid-third century, but Claudius II issued an unusual variant type on an aureus that showed the goddess in her temple and echoed the SAECVLVM NOVVM images associated with Philip I. In addition, Claudius introduced a IOVI VICTORI reverse combined with the image normally paired with a IOVI STATORI inscription and a IOVI FVLGERAT reverse inscription, both of which had not been used by any of his predecessors. Andreas Alföldi suggested that Claudius' GENIVS SENATVS type signified improvement of the relationship between emperor and Senate following the senatorial hostility toward Gallienus.

Claudius Gothicus also produced coin-types with reverses of goddesses customarily found paired on coins with images of the Roman empresses. The deities portrayed include Ceres, Diana, Diana Lucifera, and Diana Victrix, Minerva, Venus, and the goddess naturally associated with the image of an empress, Juno Regina. One might suggest that Claudius issued these images because he had no empress with which to pair them, but an examination of other emperors' reigns during this period reveals that those emperors who did not issue coins bearing the empress' image also did not strike these particular goddess types. Although Ceres and Venus images are sometimes paired with an emperor's portrait, Diana Lucifera is rarely found on emperors' coins and Claudius II is the only emperor paired on coins with Juno Regina. In addition, Claudius was the first emperor to issue imperial coins that featured an isolated image of the exotic Egyptian goddess, Isis Faria.

Claudius II's short reign was vulnerable to internal as well as external attack. There may have been a revolt in 269-270 led by a Censorinus, although the date and even the existence of this usurper remain in doubt. The SHA includes him as the last of the "thirty tyrants" and lists a whole series of offices for him, including two consulships, but no other record exists to confirm such service. The SHA account states that he was proclaimed emperor by his soldiers, but soon afterwards killed by them because of his enforcement of strict discipline. His tomb is listed as being in Bologna, which may provide some idea of the location for the revolt. Henry Cohen dates the revolt to the beginning of the year 270, perhaps on the basis of a reference in the Epitome de Caesaribus, but suggests that coins attributed to Censorinus in earlier works may not exist.

The Gothic challenge in 269 proved to be the greatest that Claudius II would face. The Goths assembled a large invading force, reportedly amounting to 320,000 men transported on a fleet of at least 2,000 ships, and first attacked coastal cities along the Black Sea in Moesia. After passing into the Aegean the Goths besieged Thessalonica. At this point, in 269, Claudius left Rome to stop the invasion. The Goths then sent the larger segment of their troops on land toward the Danube, while the fleet took the remaining group to continue the naval attack on Aegean coastal cities. Claudius sent Aurelian's cavalry to Macedonia to protect Illyria from attack, while he commanded the forces blocking the route to the Danube. In the area of Doberus and Pelagonia, the Goths lost 3,000 men to Aurelian's cavalry. At Naissus in Moesia, Claudius' force succeeded in killing some 50,000 Goths. There were follow-up operations on both land and sea, but the Gothic War had essentially been won. Staving off the attacks of the Goths was a major contribution to the survival of the Roman Empire. It was a significant step leading to the subsequent success of Aurelian and the resurrection of the Empire under Diocletian and Constantine. When the Goths eventually succeeded in taking parts of the western Empire in the fifth century, their disruption to the course of civilization was likely much less violent than it would have been had they succeeded in the third century.

In addition to bad weather, a lack of supplies, and hunger, plague was a major factor in the defeat of the Goths. Many of the Gothic prisoners were either impressed into Roman military service or settled on farms as coloni. Claudius received the title Gothicus in recognition of his triumph over the Goths. At some point he had also been given the title Parthicus, but the unlikelihood of any conflict with the Parthians in his short reign makes this difficult to explain. Perhaps Damerau was correct in his suggestion that a Parthian unit may have been involved in one of the battles with the Palmyrenes, although on this front there were few achievements to claim. In any case, Claudius' victory over the Goths was short-lived. The emperor himself caught the plague and died at Sirmium early in 270. He was 56 years old. Claudius' brother, Quintillus, became emperor briefly before losing out to Aurelian. Claudius also had another brother, Crispus, and the SHA traces the link to Constantius through Crispus' daughter Claudia.

The Roman Senate showed its respect for Claudius Gothicus by setting up a gold portrait-shield in the Curia and by approving his deification. He was also honored with a golden statue in front of the great temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus and a silver statue set on a column on the Rostra.

In many ways, Claudius II received more adulation and honor in his Nachleben than he had during his lifetime. In the fourth century, attempts to link Constantine's family to Claudius resulted in the phrases of adoration and outright fabrication that dominate the SHA life and most of our other sources. Constantine even issued commemorative coins honoring Claudius. These carried inscriptions such as: DIVO CLAVDIO OPT[IMO] IMP[ERATORI], MEMORIAE AETERNAE, and REQVIES OPT[IMORVM] ME[RITORVM]. A tradition grew that changed the story of Claudius' death in some sources. In this version, Claudius, instead of dying from the plague, had actually performed a devotion, in response to an oracle found in the Sibylline Books, and sacrificed his life so that Rome could win the Gothic War. One of the most surprising things about the SHA account is that it ignores this more dramatic tradition and has Claudius simply dying from the plague.

One must, of course, reject the excessive claims of the SHA to the effect that Claudius II was "destined to rule for the good of the human race" and would, had he lived longer, "…by his strength, his counsel, and his foresight have restored to us the Scipios, the Camilli, and all those men of old." However, Claudius Gothicus was clearly a good emperor who made a significant contribution to protecting and restoring the Empire. In the third century there aren't too many emperors who merit such an assessment.

Copyright (C) 2001, Richard D. Weigel. Used by permission.
http://www.roman-emperors.org/claudgot.htm

Claudius II Gothicus was born in Illyricum around 215 A.D. Under Valerian and Gallienus he was recognized as a superb general. After the murder of Gallienus, Claudius Gothicus was proclaimed emperor and preceded to crush the Alemani tribe who had invaded Roman territory. Soon after an enormous horde of Goths poured into the empire. Against all advice, Claudius confronted the barbarians at Naissus in Upper Moesia. He fought a brilliant battle and annihilated them. Unfortunately for the empire, he died of plague after a reign of only two years (Joseph Sermarini, FORVM;
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?vpar=741&pos=0#Recovery%20of%20the%20Empire%20Coins).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.Cleisthenes

[1114c] Claudius II Gothicus, September 268 - August or September 270 A.D.Antoninianus. RIC 34. Weight, Size. F. Rome mint. Obverse: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, Radiate, draped bust right; Reverse: FIDES EXERCI, Fides standing left, holding two standards. Ex Maridvnvm

De Imperatoribus Romanis
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors

Claudius II Gothicus (268-270)

Richard D. Weigel
Western Kentucky University

M. Aurelius Claudius, known to history as Claudius Gothicus or Claudius II, was born in either Dalmatia or Illyria on May 10, probably in A.D. 213 or 214. Although the most substantive source on Claudius is the biography in the Scriptores Historiae Augustae (SHA), this account is riddled with fabrications and slanted with fawning praise for this particular emperor, who in the fourth century was viewed as an ancestor of Constantine's father and thus of the ruling imperial family. This biography, attributed to one Trebellius Pollio, must be read with extreme caution and supplemented with information from other sources, including Aurelius Victor, the Epitome de Caesaribus, Eutropius, Orosius, Zonaras, and Zosimus, as well as coins and inscriptions.

The SHA account describes Claudius as being tall, with fiery eyes, and so strong that he could knock out the teeth of man or beast with one punch. It also says that Trajan Decius rewarded him after Claudius demonstrated his strength while wrestling another soldier in the Campus Martius. The SHA author suggests that Claudius may have been descended from the Trojan King Ilus and even from Dardanus, son of Zeus and ancestor of the Trojan royal family, but these suggestions are very likely fabricated to further ennoble Claudius and his putative descendants, the family of Constantine. The SHA biography also includes false letters attributed to the emperors Trajan Decius, Valerian, and Gallienus, all attesting to their high opinions of Claudius. Reference is made in these letters to Claudius' service as tribune in an otherwise unattested legion V Martialis and also as general in command of Illyria, but these positions may also be fictitious. One can assume that Claudius had served for some time in the army, at least under Gallienus and perhaps also under several earlier emperors.

There is some evidence that Claudius was wounded in Gallienus' campaign to put down the revolt of Ingenuus and that he later served with Aureolus under Gallienus in the war with Postumus. By 268, when Gallienus took his troops into Italy to put down Aureolus' revolt, Claudius had emerged as heir-apparent to Gallienus and may also have been involved in the plot to assassinate the emperor. Aurelius Victor says that when Gallienus was killed by his own troops besieging Aureolus in Milan, Claudius as tribune was commanding the soldiers stationed at Ticinum, some twenty miles to the south, and that prior to dying Gallienus designated Claudius as his heir. Victor goes on to claim that after succeeding to the purple Claudius forced the Senate to deify Gallienus. The SHA account states that the soldiers mutinied after Gallienus' death and had to be quieted with a donative of twenty aurei each before settling down and accepting their new emperor. Once in power, Claudius quickly dealt with Aureolus, who surrendered and was killed almost immediately. The new emperor also demanded clemency for the supporters of Gallienus.

The story of Gallienus' deathbed selection of his successor is doubtful at best and is very likely an attempt to deflect blame for the assassination plot from Claudius. The suggestion that the new emperor pressured the Senate to deify Gallienus is more difficult to assess. It is true that securing divine status for one's predecessor is generally seen as a pious act (e.g. Antoninus Pius requesting deification of Hadrian) that reflects positively on the initiator and the story, recorded only in Aurelius Victor, could just be a fabrication used to build up Claudius' moral reputation. What is difficult to penetrate is the biased condemnation of Gallienus that particularly dominates the Latin sources. They make it hard to see why anyone would want to deify Gallienus and so the story seems out of place. However, deification of a predecessor could also be interpreted as the expected thing to do and the act could have fostered legitimacy of the new emperor and gained support from those who were still loyal to Gallienus so it may well have taken place.

The first major challenge facing the new emperor was that of the Alemanni, who had invaded Raetia and Italy. After an early defeat, Claudius replaced some irresponsible officers and soldiers, designated Aurelian as cavalry commander, and led the army to a decisive victory over the Alemanni. This victory earned Claudius the title of Germanicus Maximus and several of his coin-types appear to refer to victory over the Germans.

In 269 Claudius served as consul with Paternus. This year would also feature his major campaign against the Goths. There are indications that Spain separated itself from the Gallo-Roman Empire of Postumus and Tetricus and recognized Claudius, at least nominally, as emperor. In addition, rebellion within Gaul itself demonstrated the weakening of this independent state, although Claudius avoided engagement at Augustodunum and chose only to send a small force to protect Narbonese Gaul. While Claudius concentrated on protecting Roman territory against the Alemanni and Goths, Zenobia extended her Palmyrene Empire by taking Antioch, parts of Asia Minor, and most of Egypt. Although Eusebius and Sulpicius Severus portray the period between the reign of Valerian and that of Diocletian as a peaceful pause in the persecution of Christians, the Acts of the Martyrs does list some individuals allegedly martyred during Claudius II's reign.

The coins issued by Claudius II provide some limited insight into his reign. In addition to the standard "personified virtues" coins that are common with most emperors of the second and third centuries, Claudius struck coin-types proclaiming the security of the Empire (SECVRITAS PERPETVA and PAX AETERNA), the fidelity of the army (FIDES MILITVM), and military victories over the Germans and Goths (VICTORIA GERMAN and VICTORIAE GOTHIC). In addition, Claudius Gothicus' mints struck some other interesting and unusual coin-types. For example, Claudius is one of very few emperors who issued coins portraying the god Vulcan. These must have been limited issues because they are struck only by the Antioch mint and are very rare. The type shows Vulcan standing, with his special tools, the hammer and tongs, and features the unique inscription REGI ARTIS. A variant type with a similar image has been described as carrying another unique coin inscription, DEO CABIRO, and interpreted as depicting one of Vulcan's sons, the Cabiri, with the same tools. However, the existence of this variant type is doubtful. Although the reason for honoring Vulcan (and his sons?) with these coins is unclear, there may be a connection to the fact that the Cabiri were patron gods of Thessalonica who had protected that city against an attack by the Goths. Although a connection between Claudius Gothicus and the Cabiri as defenders against Gothic attacks is relatively attractive, it is weakened somewhat by the fact that Valerian and Gallienus had also issued coins with Vulcan in a temple so there may be some other reason for his reappearance on coins in this period.

Claudius II issued an unusual and scarce series of coins that features a pair of deities, who are presumably conservatores Augusti, on each reverse. The AETER AVG type depicts Apollo and Diana, who, as gods of the sun and moon, are associated with the concept of aeternitas. A type featuring Serapis and Isis is combined with a CONSER AVG inscription and one of Hercules and Minerva with one of CONSERVATORES AVG. Apollo and Diana are depicted with a SALVS AVG inscription, Aesculapius and Salus with one of SPES PVBLIC, and Vulcan and Minerva with VIRT AVG. The general message is that these deities will protect the future of the empire and the emperor.

Other unusual coin-types include MARS VLTOR, the god Augustus had honored with a temple for securing revenge for Caesar's assassination. This deity had appeared on Roman coins in the reigns of Galba and Severus Alexander. Claudius II also minted coins with rarely-seen NEPTVN AVG [see this reverse type in my collection] and SOL AVG types. The latter coin indicates some early interest in the god who would become so dominant a few years later on the coins of Aurelian, yet Claudius also used the INVICTVS AVG inscription that Gallienus had paired with an image of Sol with one of Hercules. ROMAE AETERNAE coin-types were fairly common in the mid-third century, but Claudius II issued an unusual variant type on an aureus that showed the goddess in her temple and echoed the SAECVLVM NOVVM images associated with Philip I. In addition, Claudius introduced a IOVI VICTORI reverse combined with the image normally paired with a IOVI STATORI inscription and a IOVI FVLGERAT reverse inscription, both of which had not been used by any of his predecessors. Andreas Alföldi suggested that Claudius' GENIVS SENATVS type signified improvement of the relationship between emperor and Senate following the senatorial hostility toward Gallienus.

Claudius Gothicus also produced coin-types with reverses of goddesses customarily found paired on coins with images of the Roman empresses. The deities portrayed include Ceres, Diana, Diana Lucifera, and Diana Victrix, Minerva, Venus, and the goddess naturally associated with the image of an empress, Juno Regina. One might suggest that Claudius issued these images because he had no empress with which to pair them, but an examination of other emperors' reigns during this period reveals that those emperors who did not issue coins bearing the empress' image also did not strike these particular goddess types. Although Ceres and Venus images are sometimes paired with an emperor's portrait, Diana Lucifera is rarely found on emperors' coins and Claudius II is the only emperor paired on coins with Juno Regina. In addition, Claudius was the first emperor to issue imperial coins that featured an isolated image of the exotic Egyptian goddess, Isis Faria.

Claudius II's short reign was vulnerable to internal as well as external attack. There may have been a revolt in 269-270 led by a Censorinus, although the date and even the existence of this usurper remain in doubt. The SHA includes him as the last of the "thirty tyrants" and lists a whole series of offices for him, including two consulships, but no other record exists to confirm such service. The SHA account states that he was proclaimed emperor by his soldiers, but soon afterwards killed by them because of his enforcement of strict discipline. His tomb is listed as being in Bologna, which may provide some idea of the location for the revolt. Henry Cohen dates the revolt to the beginning of the year 270, perhaps on the basis of a reference in the Epitome de Caesaribus, but suggests that coins attributed to Censorinus in earlier works may not exist.

The Gothic challenge in 269 proved to be the greatest that Claudius II would face. The Goths assembled a large invading force, reportedly amounting to 320,000 men transported on a fleet of at least 2,000 ships, and first attacked coastal cities along the Black Sea in Moesia. After passing into the Aegean the Goths besieged Thessalonica. At this point, in 269, Claudius left Rome to stop the invasion. The Goths then sent the larger segment of their troops on land toward the Danube, while the fleet took the remaining group to continue the naval attack on Aegean coastal cities. Claudius sent Aurelian's cavalry to Macedonia to protect Illyria from attack, while he commanded the forces blocking the route to the Danube. In the area of Doberus and Pelagonia, the Goths lost 3,000 men to Aurelian's cavalry. At Naissus in Moesia, Claudius' force succeeded in killing some 50,000 Goths. There were follow-up operations on both land and sea, but the Gothic War had essentially been won. Staving off the attacks of the Goths was a major contribution to the survival of the Roman Empire. It was a significant step leading to the subsequent success of Aurelian and the resurrection of the Empire under Diocletian and Constantine. When the Goths eventually succeeded in taking parts of the western Empire in the fifth century, their disruption to the course of civilization was likely much less violent than it would have been had they succeeded in the third century.

In addition to bad weather, a lack of supplies, and hunger, plague was a major factor in the defeat of the Goths. Many of the Gothic prisoners were either impressed into Roman military service or settled on farms as coloni. Claudius received the title Gothicus in recognition of his triumph over the Goths. At some point he had also been given the title Parthicus, but the unlikelihood of any conflict with the Parthians in his short reign makes this difficult to explain. Perhaps Damerau was correct in his suggestion that a Parthian unit may have been involved in one of the battles with the Palmyrenes, although on this front there were few achievements to claim. In any case, Claudius' victory over the Goths was short-lived. The emperor himself caught the plague and died at Sirmium early in 270. He was 56 years old. Claudius' brother, Quintillus, became emperor briefly before losing out to Aurelian. Claudius also had another brother, Crispus, and the SHA traces the link to Constantius through Crispus' daughter Claudia.

The Roman Senate showed its respect for Claudius Gothicus by setting up a gold portrait-shield in the Curia and by approving his deification. He was also honored with a golden statue in front of the great temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus and a silver statue set on a column on the Rostra.

In many ways, Claudius II received more adulation and honor in his Nachleben than he had during his lifetime. In the fourth century, attempts to link Constantine's family to Claudius resulted in the phrases of adoration and outright fabrication that dominate the SHA life and most of our other sources. Constantine even issued commemorative coins honoring Claudius. These carried inscriptions such as: DIVO CLAVDIO OPT[IMO] IMP[ERATORI], MEMORIAE AETERNAE, and REQVIES OPT[IMORVM] ME[RITORVM]. A tradition grew that changed the story of Claudius' death in some sources. In this version, Claudius, instead of dying from the plague, had actually performed a devotion, in response to an oracle found in the Sibylline Books, and sacrificed his life so that Rome could win the Gothic War. One of the most surprising things about the SHA account is that it ignores this more dramatic tradition and has Claudius simply dying from the plague.

One must, of course, reject the excessive claims of the SHA to the effect that Claudius II was "destined to rule for the good of the human race" and would, had he lived longer, "…by his strength, his counsel, and his foresight have restored to us the Scipios, the Camilli, and all those men of old." However, Claudius Gothicus was clearly a good emperor who made a significant contribution to protecting and restoring the Empire. In the third century there aren't too many emperors who merit such an assessment.

Copyright (C) 2001, Richard D. Weigel. Used by permission.
http://www.roman-emperors.org/claudgot.htm

Claudius II Gothicus was born in Illyricum around 215 A.D. Under Valerian and Gallienus he was recognized as a superb general. After the murder of Gallienus, Claudius Gothicus was proclaimed emperor and preceded to crush the Alemani tribe who had invaded Roman territory. Soon after an enormous horde of Goths poured into the empire. Against all advice, Claudius confronted the barbarians at Naissus in Upper Moesia. He fought a brilliant battle and annihilated them. Unfortunately for the empire, he died of plague after a reign of only two years (Joseph Sermarini, FORVM;
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?vpar=741&pos=0#Recovery%20of%20the%20Empire%20Coins).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes

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