| Image search results - "Nicomedia," |
Follis, 527-537, Nicomedia, 2nd officina, 29mm, 16.1g, green patina.vercingetorix
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6 Maximinus IIMAXIMINUS II
AE Follis, Nicomedia, 307-308 AD
GAL VAL MAXIMINVS NOB CAES, bust l. / GENIO CA-ESARIS CM[H], Genius with patera and cornucopia, SMN gamma in ex.
RIC VI Nicomedia 55 Sosius
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8 LiciniusLICINIUS I
AE Follis, Nicomedia, 313-317 AD
IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS PF AVG, Laureate bust r. / IOVI CONS-ERVATORI, Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe and sceptre, eagle with wreath to left, A in r. field, SMN in ex.
RIC VII Nicomedia 13, VF/EF, silvered. R1.Sosius
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Licinius I AE Follis, RIC 13 Nicomedia, 313-317 CE
Obverse: IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS PF AVG, laureate head right.
Reverse: IOVI CONS-ERVATORI, Jupiter standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, holding Victory on globe and eagle-tipped sceptre; eagle with wreath at foot left.
Officina letter B in right field.
Mintmark SMNT. Nicomedia 23.2 mm., 2.8 g.
NORMAN K
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(0222) SEVERUS ALEXANDER222 - 235 AD
AE 21.5 mm, 3.84 g
O: M AVP CEV ALEXANDROC AV, laureate head right
R: NIKOMHDEWN DIC NEW/K, aquila between two miliary standards. SNGCop 577v (bust radiate). SNGCop 57
Nicomedia, Bithynialaney
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049p Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Bithynia, Nicomedia, Rec.Gen. 178, BMC 41, AE-26, Οctastyle temple, #1049p Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Bithynia, Nicomedia, Rec.Gen. 178, BMC 41, AE-26, Οctastyle temple, #1
avers: AY K Λ CEΠT CEVHPOC, Radiate head right.
reverse: NIKOMH ΔEΩN ΔIC NEΩKO PΩN, Οctastyle temple with Countermark.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 26,0-27,0mm, weight:11,37g, axis:1h,
mint: Bithynia, Nicomedia, date: ?? ,
ref: Rec.Gen. 178, BMC 41,
Q-001quadrans
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06. Constantine: Nicomedia.AE 4, 347 - 348, Nicomedia mint.
Obverse: DV CONSTANTINVS PT AVGG / Veiled bust of Constantine.
Reverse: VN MR / Constantine standing, veiled.
Mint mark: SMNI .
.96 gm., 14 mm.
RIC #57; LRBC #1155; Sear #17469.
VN MR stands for Venerabilis Memoria (Revered Memory).
RIC dates this coin 347 - 348, which was the 10'th anniversary of Constantine's death. LRBC, however, dates it to 341 - 346.
Callimachus
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062p Severus Alexander (222-235 A.D.), Bithynia, Nicomedia, AE-22, NI-KO/MH−ΔЄ/Ω−N/ΔIC NЄΩ/K, Octastyle temple,062p Severus Alexander (222-235 A.D.), Bithynia, Nicomedia, AE-22, NI-KO/MH−ΔЄ/Ω−N/ΔIC NЄΩ/K, Octastyle temple,
avers:- M-AYP-ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟC-K, Laureate head right.
revers:- ΝΙ−ΚΟ / ΜΗ−ΔЄ / Ω−Ν / ΔΙC ΝЄΩ / Κ, octastyle temple set on two-tiered base, pellet in pediment.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 22mm, weight: 9,07g, axis: 5h,
mint: Bithynia, Nicomedia, date: 222-235 A.D., ref: ,
Q-001quadrans
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064p Julia Mamaea ( ??-235 A.D.), Bithynia, Nicomedia, AE-19, NIKOMHΔЄΩN-ΔIC-NЄΩK, Astakos ?,064p Julia Mamaea ( ??-235 A.D.), Bithynia, Nicomedia, AE-19, NIKOMHΔЄΩN-ΔIC-NЄΩK, Astakos ?,
avers:- IOVΛIA-MAMAIA-AVG,
revers:- NIKOMHΔЄΩN-ΔIC-NЄΩK, Astakos ?,
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 19mm, weight: 3,47g, axis: 7h,
mint: Bithynia, Nicomedia, date: ??? A.D., ref: Not listed ???,
Q-001quadrans
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084b03. Licinius IIAs Caesar, BI Nummus. Nicomedia, AD 321-324. D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C, helmeted and cuirassed bust to left, holding spear over shoulder and shield / IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing to left, holding Victory on globe and eagle-tipped sceptre, eagle with wreath in beak at feet to left, captive at feet to right; X above II(half-'M' symbol) in right field, SMNB in exergue. RIC VII 49 var. (bust type); Roma E-56, lot 1121. 3.05g, 19mm, 12h. Roma Numismatics Auction 88, Lot 1282.
lawrence c
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090a09. ConstansAE3. 19mm, 4.05 g. Nicomedia, 348-350 AD. Obv: D N CONSTA-NS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust left, globe in right hand. Rev: FEL TEMP REPA-RATIO, Helmeted soldier, spear in left hand, walking right, head left; leading a small bare-headed figure from a hut beneath a tree. Star in upper left field. Mintmark SMNA. RIC 172.lawrence c
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0968 Hadrian, Cistophorus BITHYNIA Koinon of Bithynia mint, TempleReference.
RPC III, 968; RIC II 461b; Metcalf, Cistophori, type B1; RSC 240b; Pinder 100
Issue Reverse legend includes COM BIT
Obv. IMP CAES TRA HADRIANO AVG P P
Laureate head right
Rev. COM - BIT (in field), ROM S P AVG (in entablature)
Octastyle temple on podium of three steps
10.52 gr
27 mm
6 h
Note.
The temple depicted is that of Roma and Augustus erected by the koinon of Bithynia at Nicomedia, of which no archaeological remains have been discovered.
Cistophori were produced in the name of the Commune Bithyniae only once, under Hadrian. The inscription on the frieze, reconstructed as ROM(ae) S(enatui) P(opulo) AVG(usto) and translated as "To Rome, the Senate, the People, and Augustus" tentatively identifies the building as a temple of Rome and Augustus at Nicomedia. No archaeological remains of this structure have as yet been found, and reconstructions of it are based entirely on the second century numismatic evidence. Both Tacitus and Dio Cassius report that in 19 BC Augustus did authorize the construction of a temple to Rome and himself at Pergamum, an event commemorated on his cistophori there. No such evidence for a temple at Nicomedia occurs earlier than this cistophorus.okidoki
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0969 Hadrian, Cistophorus BITHYNIA Koinon of Bithynia mint, TempleReference.
RPC III, 969; RIC II 461b; Metcalf Metcalf B2
Issue Reverse legend includes COM BIT
Obv. IMP CAES TRA HADRIANO AVG P P
Laureate head right
Rev. COM - BIT (in field), ROM S P AVG (in entablature)
Octastyle temple on podium of three steps; three pellets in pediment
10.52 gr
27 mm
6h
Note.
The temple depicted is that of Roma and Augustus erected by the koinon of Bithynia at Nicomedia, of which no archaeological remains have been discovered.
Cistophori were produced in the name of the Commune Bithyniae only once, under Hadrian. The inscription on the frieze, reconstructed as ROM(ae) S(enatui) P(opulo) AVG(usto) and translated as "To Rome, the Senate, the People, and Augustus" tentatively identifies the building as a temple of Rome and Augustus at Nicomedia. No archaeological remains of this structure have as yet been found, and reconstructions of it are based entirely on the second century numismatic evidence. Both Tacitus and Dio Cassius report that in 19 BC Augustus did authorize the construction of a temple to Rome and himself at Pergamum, an event commemorated on his cistophori there. No such evidence for a temple at Nicomedia occurs earlier than this cistophorus.okidoki
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1.51 Constantine as Filius Augustorum: Alexandria follis.Follis, 308-310, Alexandria mint.
Obverse: FL VAL CONSTANTINVS FIL AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: GENIO CAESARIS / Genius standing, modius on head, chlamys over left shoulder, holding patera and cornucopiae. K in left field; A and P in right field.
Mint mark: ALE
6.08 gm., 24 mm.
RIC #99b; PBCC #1191; Sear #15585 var.
The obverse legend shows Constantine as "Filius Augustorum" -- an empty title granted him after the conference at Carnuntum in November 308. Coins with this title were issued for a short time at 5 mints under the control of Galerius (Siscia, Thessalonica, Nicomedia, Antioch, Alexandria). This title was not recognized in the area under the control of Constantine himself, nor in Italy which was under the control of Maxentius.
Callimachus
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1.54 Constantine as Filius Augustorum: Siscia follis.Follis, 309 - 310, Siscia mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS FIL AVGG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: GENIO AVGVSTI / Genius standing, chlamys over left shoulder, pouring liquid from patera, and holding cornucopiae. Crescent in left field; A in right field.
Mint mark: SIS
6.14 gm., 24 mm.
RIC #200b; PBCC #786; Sear #15581.
The obverse legend shows Constantine as "Filius Augustorum" -- an empty title granted him after the conference at Carnuntum in November 308. Coins with this title were issued for a short time at 5 mints under the control of Galerius (Siscia, Thessalonica, Nicomedia, Antioch, Alexandria). This title was not recognized in the area under the control of Constantine himself, nor in Italy which was under the control of Maxentius.Callimachus
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12. Constans / Wreath.AE 4, 347 - 348, Nicomedia mint.
Obverse: DN CONSTANS P F AVG / Diademed bust of Constans.
Reverse: VOT XX MVLT XXX in wreath.
Mint mark: SMNΔ.
1.08 gm., 14 mm.
RIC #59; LRBC #1157; Sear #18643.Callimachus
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1301a, Diocletian, 284-305 A.D. (Antioch)DIOCLETIAN (284 – 305 AD) AE Antoninianus, 293-95 AD, RIC V 322, Cohen 34. 20.70 mm/3.1 gm, aVF, Antioch. Obverse: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate bust right, draped & cuirassed; Reverse: CONCORDIA MILITVM, Jupiter presents Victory on a globe to Diocletian, I/XXI. Early Diocletian with dusty earthen green patina.
De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families
Diocletian ( 284-305 A.D.)
Ralph W. Mathisen
University of South Carolina
Summary and Introduction
The Emperor Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus (A.D. 284-305) put an end to the disastrous phase of Roman history known as the "Military Anarchy" or the "Imperial Crisis" (235-284). He established an obvious military despotism and was responsible for laying the groundwork for the second phase of the Roman Empire, which is known variously as the "Dominate," the "Tetrarchy," the "Later Roman Empire," or the "Byzantine Empire." His reforms ensured the continuity of the Roman Empire in the east for more than a thousand years.
Diocletian's Early Life and Reign
Diocletian was born ca. 236/237 on the Dalmatian coast, perhaps at Salona. He was of very humble birth, and was originally named Diocles. He would have received little education beyond an elementary literacy and he was apparently deeply imbued with religious piety He had a wife Prisca and a daughter Valeria, both of whom reputedly were Christians. During Diocletian's early life, the Roman empire was in the midst of turmoil. In the early years of the third century, emperors increasingly insecure on their thrones had granted inflationary pay raises to the soldiers. The only meaningful income the soldiers now received was in the form of gold donatives granted by newly acclaimed emperors. Beginning in 235, armies throughout the empire began to set up their generals as rival emperors. The resultant civil wars opened up the empire to invasion in both the north, by the Franks, Alamanni, and Goths, and the east, by the Sassanid Persians. Another reason for the unrest in the army was the great gap between the social background of the common soldiers and the officer corps.
Diocletian sought his fortune in the army. He showed himself to be a shrewd, able, and ambitious individual. He is first attested as "Duke of Moesia" (an area on the banks of the lower Danube River), with responsibility for border defense. He was a prudent and methodical officer, a seeker of victory rather than glory. In 282, the legions of the upper Danube proclaimed the praetorian prefect Carus as emperor. Diocletian found favor under the new emperor, and was promoted to Count of the Domestics, the commander of the cavalry arm of the imperial bodyguard. In 283 he was granted the honor of a consulate.
In 284, in the midst of a campaign against the Persians, Carus was killed, struck by a bolt of lightning which one writer noted might have been forged in a legionary armory. This left the empire in the hands of his two young sons, Numerian in the east and Carinus in the west. Soon thereafter, Numerian died under mysterious circumstances near Nicomedia, and Diocletian was acclaimed emperor in his place. At this time he changed his name from Diocles to Diocletian. In 285 Carinus was killed in a battle near Belgrade, and Diocletian gained control of the entire empire.
Diocletian's Administrative and Military Reforms
As emperor, Diocletian was faced with many problems. His most immediate concerns were to bring the mutinous and increasingly barbarized Roman armies back under control and to make the frontiers once again secure from invasion. His long-term goals were to restore effective government and economic prosperity to the empire. Diocletian concluded that stern measures were necessary if these problems were to be solved. He felt that it was the responsibility of the imperial government to take whatever steps were necessary, no matter how harsh or innovative, to bring the empire back under control.
Diocletian was able to bring the army back under control by making several changes. He subdivided the roughly fifty existing provinces into approximately one hundred. The provinces also were apportioned among twelve "dioceses," each under a "vicar," and later also among four "prefectures," each under a "praetorian prefect." As a result, the imperial bureaucracy became increasingly bloated. He institutionalized the policy of separating civil and military careers. He divided the army itself into so-called "border troops," actually an ineffective citizen militia, and "palace troops," the real field army, which often was led by the emperor in person.
Following the precedent of Aurelian (A.D.270-275), Diocletian transformed the emperorship into an out-and-out oriental monarchy. Access to him became restricted; he now was addressed not as First Citizen (Princeps) or the soldierly general (Imperator), but as Lord and Master (Dominus Noster) . Those in audience were required to prostrate themselves on the ground before him.
Diocletian also concluded that the empire was too large and complex to be ruled by only a single emperor. Therefore, in order to provide an imperial presence throughout the empire, he introduced the "Tetrarchy," or "Rule by Four." In 285, he named his lieutenant Maximianus "Caesar," and assigned him the western half of the empire. This practice began the process which would culminate with the de facto split of the empire in 395. Both Diocletian and Maximianus adopted divine attributes. Diocletian was identified with Jupiter and Maximianus with Hercules. In 286, Diocletian promoted Maximianus to the rank of Augustus, "Senior Emperor," and in 293 he appointed two new Caesars, Constantius (the father of Constantine I ), who was given Gaul and Britain in the west, and Galerius, who was assigned the Balkans in the east.
By instituting his Tetrarchy, Diocletian also hoped to solve another problem. In the Augustan Principate, there had been no constitutional method for choosing new emperors. According to Diocletian's plan, the successor of each Augustus would be the respective Caesar, who then would name a new Caesar. Initially, the Tetrarchy operated smoothly and effectively.
Once the army was under control, Diocletian could turn his attention to other problems. The borders were restored and strengthened. In the early years of his reign, Diocletian and his subordinates were able to defeat foreign enemies such as Alamanni, Sarmatians, Saracens, Franks, and Persians, and to put down rebellions in Britain and Egypt. The easter frontier was actually expanded.
.
Diocletian's Economic Reforms
Another problem was the economy, which was in an especially sorry state. The coinage had become so debased as to be virtually worthless. Diocletian's attempt to reissue good gold and silver coins failed because there simply was not enough gold and silver available to restore confidence in the currency. A "Maximum Price Edict" issued in 301, intended to curb inflation, served only to drive goods onto the black market. Diocletian finally accepted the ruin of the money economy and revised the tax system so that it was based on payments in kind . The soldiers too came to be paid in kind.
In order to assure the long term survival of the empire, Diocletian identified certain occupations which he felt would have to be performed. These were known as the "compulsory services." They included such occupations as soldiers, bakers, members of town councils, and tenant farmers. These functions became hereditary, and those engaging in them were inhibited from changing their careers. The repetitious nature of these laws, however, suggests that they were not widely obeyed. Diocletian also expanded the policy of third-century emperors of restricting the entry of senators into high-ranking governmental posts, especially military ones.
Diocletian attempted to use the state religion as a unifying element. Encouraged by the Caesar Galerius, Diocletian in 303 issued a series of four increasingly harsh decrees designed to compel Christians to take part in the imperial cult, the traditional means by which allegiance was pledged to the empire. This began the so-called "Great Persecution."
Diocletian's Resignation and Death
On 1 May 305, wearied by his twenty years in office, and determined to implement his method for the imperial succession, Diocletian abdicated. He compelled his co-regent Maximianus to do the same. Constantius and Galerius then became the new Augusti, and two new Caesars were selected, Maximinus (305-313) in the east and Severus (305- 307) in the west. Diocletian then retired to his palace at Split on the Croatian coast. In 308 he declined an offer to resume the purple, and the aged ex-emperor died at Split on 3 December 316.
Copyright (C) 1996, Ralph W. Mathisen, University of South Carolina
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
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1301b, Diocletian, 20 November 284 - 1 March 305 A.D.Diocletian. RIC V Part II Cyzicus 256 var. Not listed with pellet in exegrue
Item ref: RI141f. VF. Minted in Cyzicus (B in centre field, XXI dot in exegrue)Obverse:- IMP CC VAL DIOCLETIANVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Reverse:- CONCORDIA MILITVM, Diocletian standing right, holding parazonium, receiving Victory from Jupiter standing left with scepter.
A post reform radiate of Diocletian. Ex Maridvnvm.
De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families
Diocletian ( 284-305 A.D.)
Ralph W. Mathisen
University of South Carolina
Summary and Introduction
The Emperor Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus (A.D. 284-305) put an end to the disastrous phase of Roman history known as the "Military Anarchy" or the "Imperial Crisis" (235-284). He established an obvious military despotism and was responsible for laying the groundwork for the second phase of the Roman Empire, which is known variously as the "Dominate," the "Tetrarchy," the "Later Roman Empire," or the "Byzantine Empire." His reforms ensured the continuity of the Roman Empire in the east for more than a thousand years.
Diocletian's Early Life and Reign
Diocletian was born ca. 236/237 on the Dalmatian coast, perhaps at Salona. He was of very humble birth, and was originally named Diocles. He would have received little education beyond an elementary literacy and he was apparently deeply imbued with religious piety He had a wife Prisca and a daughter Valeria, both of whom reputedly were Christians. During Diocletian's early life, the Roman empire was in the midst of turmoil. In the early years of the third century, emperors increasingly insecure on their thrones had granted inflationary pay raises to the soldiers. The only meaningful income the soldiers now received was in the form of gold donatives granted by newly acclaimed emperors. Beginning in 235, armies throughout the empire began to set up their generals as rival emperors. The resultant civil wars opened up the empire to invasion in both the north, by the Franks, Alamanni, and Goths, and the east, by the Sassanid Persians. Another reason for the unrest in the army was the great gap between the social background of the common soldiers and the officer corps.
Diocletian sought his fortune in the army. He showed himself to be a shrewd, able, and ambitious individual. He is first attested as "Duke of Moesia" (an area on the banks of the lower Danube River), with responsibility for border defense. He was a prudent and methodical officer, a seeker of victory rather than glory. In 282, the legions of the upper Danube proclaimed the praetorian prefect Carus as emperor. Diocletian found favor under the new emperor, and was promoted to Count of the Domestics, the commander of the cavalry arm of the imperial bodyguard. In 283 he was granted the honor of a consulate.
In 284, in the midst of a campaign against the Persians, Carus was killed, struck by a bolt of lightning which one writer noted might have been forged in a legionary armory. This left the empire in the hands of his two young sons, Numerian in the east and Carinus in the west. Soon thereafter, Numerian died under mysterious circumstances near Nicomedia, and Diocletian was acclaimed emperor in his place. At this time he changed his name from Diocles to Diocletian. In 285 Carinus was killed in a battle near Belgrade, and Diocletian gained control of the entire empire.
Diocletian's Administrative and Military Reforms
As emperor, Diocletian was faced with many problems. His most immediate concerns were to bring the mutinous and increasingly barbarized Roman armies back under control and to make the frontiers once again secure from invasion. His long-term goals were to restore effective government and economic prosperity to the empire. Diocletian concluded that stern measures were necessary if these problems were to be solved. He felt that it was the responsibility of the imperial government to take whatever steps were necessary, no matter how harsh or innovative, to bring the empire back under control.
Diocletian was able to bring the army back under control by making several changes. He subdivided the roughly fifty existing provinces into approximately one hundred. The provinces also were apportioned among twelve "dioceses," each under a "vicar," and later also among four "prefectures," each under a "praetorian prefect." As a result, the imperial bureaucracy became increasingly bloated. He institutionalized the policy of separating civil and military careers. He divided the army itself into so-called "border troops," actually an ineffective citizen militia, and "palace troops," the real field army, which often was led by the emperor in person.
Following the precedent of Aurelian (A.D.270-275), Diocletian transformed the emperorship into an out-and-out oriental monarchy. Access to him became restricted; he now was addressed not as First Citizen (Princeps) or the soldierly general (Imperator), but as Lord and Master (Dominus Noster) . Those in audience were required to prostrate themselves on the ground before him.
Diocletian also concluded that the empire was too large and complex to be ruled by only a single emperor. Therefore, in order to provide an imperial presence throughout the empire, he introduced the "Tetrarchy," or "Rule by Four." In 285, he named his lieutenant Maximianus "Caesar," and assigned him the western half of the empire. This practice began the process which would culminate with the de facto split of the empire in 395. Both Diocletian and Maximianus adopted divine attributes. Diocletian was identified with Jupiter and Maximianus with Hercules. In 286, Diocletian promoted Maximianus to the rank of Augustus, "Senior Emperor," and in 293 he appointed two new Caesars, Constantius (the father of Constantine I ), who was given Gaul and Britain in the west, and Galerius, who was assigned the Balkans in the east.
By instituting his Tetrarchy, Diocletian also hoped to solve another problem. In the Augustan Principate, there had been no constitutional method for choosing new emperors. According to Diocletian's plan, the successor of each Augustus would be the respective Caesar, who then would name a new Caesar. Initially, the Tetrarchy operated smoothly and effectively.
Once the army was under control, Diocletian could turn his attention to other problems. The borders were restored and strengthened. In the early years of his reign, Diocletian and his subordinates were able to defeat foreign enemies such as Alamanni, Sarmatians, Saracens, Franks, and Persians, and to put down rebellions in Britain and Egypt. The easter frontier was actually expanded.
.
Diocletian's Economic Reforms
Another problem was the economy, which was in an especially sorry state. The coinage had become so debased as to be virtually worthless. Diocletian's attempt to reissue good gold and silver coins failed because there simply was not enough gold and silver available to restore confidence in the currency. A "Maximum Price Edict" issued in 301, intended to curb inflation, served only to drive goods onto the black market. Diocletian finally accepted the ruin of the money economy and revised the tax system so that it was based on payments in kind . The soldiers too came to be paid in kind.
In order to assure the long term survival of the empire, Diocletian identified certain occupations which he felt would have to be performed. These were known as the "compulsory services." They included such occupations as soldiers, bakers, members of town councils, and tenant farmers. These functions became hereditary, and those engaging in them were inhibited from changing their careers. The repetitious nature of these laws, however, suggests that they were not widely obeyed. Diocletian also expanded the policy of third-century emperors of restricting the entry of senators into high-ranking governmental posts, especially military ones.
Diocletian attempted to use the state religion as a unifying element. Encouraged by the Caesar Galerius, Diocletian in 303 issued a series of four increasingly harsh decrees designed to compel Christians to take part in the imperial cult, the traditional means by which allegiance was pledged to the empire. This began the so-called "Great Persecution."
Diocletian's Resignation and Death
On 1 May 305, wearied by his twenty years in office, and determined to implement his method for the imperial succession, Diocletian abdicated. He compelled his co-regent Maximianus to do the same. Constantius and Galerius then became the new Augusti, and two new Caesars were selected, Maximinus (305-313) in the east and Severus (305- 307) in the west. Diocletian then retired to his palace at Split on the Croatian coast. In 308 he declined an offer to resume the purple, and the aged ex-emperor died at Split on 3 December 316.
Copyright (C) 1996, Ralph W. Mathisen, University of South Carolina
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
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1304a, Constantius I, May 305 - 25 July 306 A.D.Silvered follis, RIC 20a, S 3671, VM 25, gVF, Heraclea mint, 10.144g, 27.7mm, 180o, 297 - 298 A.D. Obverse: FL VAL CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES, laureate head right; Reverse GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius standing left, modius on head, naked except for chlamys over shoulder, cornucopia in left, pouring liquor from patera, HTD in exergue; some silvering, nice portrait, well centered.
De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families
Constantius I Chlorus (305-306 A.D.)
Michael DiMaio, Jr.
Salve Regina University
Constantius' Early Life and Marriage
Born March 31st, Emperor Flavius Valerius Constantius may have come into the world ca. 250. His family was from Illyricum. In the army he served as a protector, tribunus, and a praeses Dalmatiarum. During the 270s or the 280s, he became the father of Constantine by Helena, his first spouse. By 288 he was the Praetorian Prefect of the western emperor Maximianus Herculius.
Constantius' Reign as Caesar
On 1 March 293 Diocletian appointed Galerius as his Caesar (junior emperor) in the east and Constantius as the Caesar of Maximianus Herculius. Caesar in the west. Both Caesars had the right of succession. In order to strengthen the dynastic relationship between himself and Herculius., Constantius put aside his wife Helena and married Theodora, the daughter, or perhaps stepdaughter, of Maximianus Herculius.. The union was fruitful and of it there were six issue: Flavius Dalmatius, Julius Constantius, Hannibalianus, Constantia, Anastasia, and Eutropia. To strengthen his bond with Galerius and Diocletian in the east, Constantius allowed Galerius to keep his son Constantine as a hostage for his good behavior.
In the remainder of the time that he was a Caesar, Constantius spent much of his time engaged in military actions in the west. In the summer of 293 Constantius expelled the troops of the usurper Carausius from northern Gaul; after Constantius' attack on Bononia (Boulogne), Carausius was murdered. At the same time he dealt with the unrest of the Germans. In 296 he invaded Britain and put down the revolt of the usurper Allectus. Between 300 and 305 A.D. the Caesar campaigned successfully several times with various German tribes. It is worth noting in passing, that while his colleagues rigidly enforced the "Great Persecution in 303," Constantius limited his action to knocking down a few churches.
Constantius as Augustus and His Untimely Death
On 1 May 305 Diocletian, at Nicomedia, and Maximianus Herculius, at Mediolanum (Milan), divested themselves of the purple, probably because of the almost fatal illness that Diocletian contracted toward the end of 304. Diocletian forced Maximianus to abdicate. They appointed as their successors Constantius and Galerius, with Severus and Maximinus Daia as the new Caesars. The retired emperors then returned to private life. Constantius, as had his predecessor, ruled in the west, while Galerius and Daia ruled in the east. Almost as soon as he was appointed Augustus, he crossed to Britain to face incursions by the Picts where he died at York on 25 July 306 with his son (Constantine I, known to history as “The Great”) at his side.
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
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133 Licinius II. (317-324 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC VII 034A, palm/•/A//SMN, AE-3 Follis, PROVIDENTIAE CAES S, Jupiter standing left, R2!! #1133 Licinius II. (317-324 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC VII 034A, palm/•/A//SMN, AE-3 Follis, PROVIDENTIAE CAES S, Jupiter standing left, R2!! #1
avers: D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C, (6d, B4), Laureate, draped bust right.
reverse: PROVIDENTIAE CAES S, Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe and scepter; palm in left down and • over A in right in field.
exergue: palm/•/A//SMN, diameter: 18-19mm, weight: 3,03g, axis: 0h,
mint: Nicomedia, 1st. off., date: 317-320 A.D.,
ref: RIC VII 34A, p-605, R2!!, Sear 15419,
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133 Licinius II. (317-324 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC VII 034B, palm/•/B//SMN, AE-3 Follis, PROVIDENTIAE CAES S, Jupiter standing left, R1 #1133 Licinius II. (317-324 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC VII 034B, palm/•/B//SMN, AE-3 Follis, PROVIDENTIAE CAES S, Jupiter standing left, R1 #1
avers: D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C, (6d, B4), Laureate, draped bust right.
reverse: PROVIDENTIAE CAES S, Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe and scepter; palm in left down and • over B in right in field.
exergue: palm/•/B//SMN, diameter: 18-19,0mm, weight: 2,56g, axis: 6h,
mint: Nicomedia, 1st. off., date: 317-320 A.D.,
ref: RIC VII 34B, p-605, R1, Sear 15419,
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136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VI 071c, AE-Follis, -/B//SMN, GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left, Scarce!136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VI 071c, AE-Follis, -/B//SMN, GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left, Scarce!
avers: IMP C FL VAL CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate head right.
reverse: GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left, holding patera over altar and cornucopiae, B right.
exergue: -/B//SMN, diameter: 21,5-22,7mm, weight: 6,06g, axis: 0h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 312 A.D., ref: RIC VI 71c, Scarce!
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136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VII 188Δ, AE-Follis, -/-//SMNΔ, GLORIA EXERCITVS, Two soldiers with two standards, #1136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VII 188Δ, AE-Follis, -/-//SMNΔ, GLORIA EXERCITVS, Two soldiers with two standards, #1
avers: CONSTANTI NVS MAX AVG, Laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: GLOR IA EXERC ITVS, Two soldiers helmeted, standing facing one another, reversed spear in outer hands, inner hands on shields resting on the ground, between the two standards.
exergue: -/-//SMNΔ, diameter: 17,5mm, weight: 2,48g, axis: 11h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 330-335 A.D., ref: RIC VII 188Δ,
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137 Nicomedia, RIC VII 195, VRBS ROMA, Commemorative, (330-335 A.D.), AE-3, -/-//SMNΓ, She-wolf left, R1, #1137 Nicomedia, RIC VII 195, VRBS ROMA, Commemorative, (330-335 A.D.), AE-3, -/-//SMNΓ, She-wolf left, R1, #1
avers: VRBS ROMA, Helmeted bust of Roma left.
reverse: She-wolf and twins, 2 stars above with three dots vertically placed between them.
exergue: -/-//SMNΓ, diameter: 17,0-18,0 mm, weight: 2,57 g, axis: 0h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 330-335 A.D., ref: RIC VII 195, p634, R1!,
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137 Nicomedia, RIC VII 195, VRBS ROMA, Commemorative, (330-335 A.D.), AE-3, -/-//SMNS, She-wolf left, #1137 Nicomedia, RIC VII 195, VRBS ROMA, Commemorative, (330-335 A.D.), AE-3, -/-//SMNS, She-wolf left, #1
avers: VRBS ROMA, Helmeted bust of Roma left.
reverse: She-wolf and twins, 2 stars above with three dots vertically placed between them.
exergue: -/-//SMNS, diameter: 16,0-16,5 mm, weight: 2,39 g, axis: 0h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 330-335 A.D., ref: RIC VII 195, Sear 16521,
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1409a, Julian II "the Philosopher," February 360 - 26 June 363 A.D.Julian II, A.D. 360-363; RIC 167; VF; 2.7g, 20mm; Constantinople mint; Obverse: DN FL CL IVLIANVS P F AVG, helmeted & cuirassed bust right, holding spear & shield; Reverse: VOT X MVLT XX in four lines within wreath; CONSPB in exergue; Attractive green patina. Ex Nemesis.
De Imperatoribus Romanis,
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors
Julian the Apostate (360-363 A.D.)
Walter E. Roberts, Emory University
Michael DiMaio, Jr., Salve Regina University
Introduction
The emperor Flavius Claudius Julianus reigned from 360 to 26 June 363, when he was killed fighting against the Persians. Despite his short rule, his emperorship was pivotal in the development of the history of the later Roman empire. This essay is not meant to be a comprehensive look at the various issues central to the reign of Julian and the history of the later empire. Rather, this short work is meant to be a brief history and introduction for the general reader. Julian was the last direct descendent of the Constantinian line to ascend to the purple, and it is one of history's great ironies that he was the last non-Christian emperor. As such, he has been vilified by most Christian sources, beginning with John Chrysostom and Gregory Nazianzus in the later fourth century. This tradition was picked up by the fifth century Eusebian continuators Sozomen, Socrates Scholasticus, and Theodoret and passed on to scholars down through the 20th century. Most contemporary sources, however, paint a much more balanced picture of Julian and his reign. The adoption of Christianity by emperors and society, while still a vital concern, was but one of several issues that concerned Julian.
It is fortunate that extensive writings from Julian himself exist, which help interpret his reign in the light of contemporary evidence. Still extant are some letters, several panegyrics, and a few satires. Other contemporary sources include the soldier Ammianus Marcellinus' history, correspondence between Julian and Libanius of Antioch, several panegyrics, laws from the Theodosian Code, inscriptions, and coinage. These sources show Julian's emphasis on restoration. He saw himself as the restorer of the traditional values of Roman society. Of course much of this was rhetoric, meant to defend Julian against charges that he was a usurper. At the same time this theme of restoration was central to all emperors of the fourth century. Julian thought that he was the one emperor who could regain what was viewed as the lost glory of the Roman empire. To achieve this goal he courted select groups of social elites to get across his message of restoration. This was the way that emperors functioned in the fourth century. By choosing whom to include in the sharing of power, they sought to shape society.
Early Life
Julian was born at Constantinople in 331. His father was Julius Constantius, half-brother of the emperor Constantine through Constantius Chlorus, and his mother was Basilina, Julius' second wife. Julian had two half-brothers via Julius' first marriage. One of these was Gallus, who played a major role in Julian's life. Julian appeared destined for a bright future via his father's connection to the Constantinian house. After many years of tense relations with his three half-brothers, Constantine seemed to have welcomed them into the fold of the imperial family. From 333 to 335, Constantine conferred a series of honors upon his three half-siblings, including appointing Julius Constantius as one of the consuls for 335. Julian's mother was equally distinguished. Ammianus related that she was from a noble family. This is supported by Libanius, who claimed that she was the daughter of Julius Julianus, a Praetorian Prefect under Licinius, who was such a model of administrative virtue that he was pardoned and honored by Constantine.
Despite the fact that his mother died shortly after giving birth to him, Julian experienced an idyllic early childhood. This ended when Constantius II conducted a purge of many of his relatives shortly after Constantine's death in 337, particularly targeting the families of Constantine's half-brothers. ulian and Gallus were spared, probably due to their young age. Julian was put under the care of Mardonius, a Scythian eunuch who had tutored his mother, in 339, and was raised in the Greek philosophical tradition, and probably lived in Nicomedia. Ammianus also supplied the fact that while in Nicomedia, Julian was cared for by the local bishop Eusebius, of whom the future emperor was a distant relation. Julian was educated by some of the most famous names in grammar and rhetoric in the Greek world at that time, including Nicocles and Hecebolius. In 344 Constantius II sent Julian and Gallus to Macellum in Cappadocia, where they remained for six years. In 351, Gallus was made Caesar by Constantius II and Julian was allowed to return to Nicomedia, where he studied under Aedesius, Eusebius, and Chrysanthius, all famed philosophers, and was exposed to the Neo-Platonism that would become such a prominent part of his life. But Julian was most proud of the time he spent studying under Maximus of Ephesus, a noted Neo-Platonic philospher and theurgist. It was Maximus who completed Julian's full-scale conversion to Neo-Platonism. Later, when he was Caesar, Julian told of how he put letters from this philosopher under his pillows so that he would continue to absorb wisdom while he slept, and while campaigning on the Rhine, he sent his speeches to Maximus for approval before letting others hear them. When Gallus was executed in 354 for treason by Constantius II, Julian was summoned to Italy and essentially kept under house arrest at Comum, near Milan, for seven months before Constantius' wife Eusebia convinced the emperor that Julian posed no threat. This allowed Julian to return to Greece and continue his life as a scholar where he studied under the Neo-Platonist Priscus. Julian's life of scholarly pursuit, however, ended abruptly when he was summoned to the imperial court and made Caesar by Constantius II on 6 November 355.
Julian as Caesar
Constantius II realized an essential truth of the empire that had been evident since the time of the Tetrarchy--the empire was too big to be ruled effectively by one man. Julian was pressed into service as Caesar, or subordinate emperor, because an imperial presence was needed in the west, in particular in the Gallic provinces. Julian, due to the emperor's earlier purges, was the only viable candidate of the imperial family left who could act as Caesar. Constantius enjoined Julian with the task of restoring order along the Rhine frontier. A few days after he was made Caesar, Julian was married to Constantius' sister Helena in order to cement the alliance between the two men. On 1 December 355, Julian journeyed north, and in Augusta Taurinorum he learned that Alamannic raiders had destroyed Colonia Agrippina. He then proceeded to Vienne where he spent the winter. At Vienne, he learned that Augustudunum was also under siege, but was being held by a veteran garrison. He made this his first priority, and arrived there on 24 June 356. When he had assured himself that the city was in no immediate danger, he journeyed to Augusta Treverorum via Autessioduram, and from there to Durocortorum where he rendezvoused with his army. Julian had the army stage a series of punitive strikes around the Dieuse region, and then he moved them towards the Argentoratum/Mongontiacum region when word of barbarian incursions reached him.
From there, Julian moved on to Colonia Agrippina, and negotiated a peace with the local barbarian leaders who had assaulted the city. He then wintered at Senonae. He spent the early part of the campaigning season of 357 fighting off besiegers at Senonae, and then conducting operations around Lugdunum and Tres Tabernae. Later that summer, he encountered his watershed moment as a military general. Ammianus went into great detail about Julian's victory over seven rogue Alamannic chieftains near Argentoratum, and Julian himself bragged about it in his later writing. After this battle, the soldiers acclaimed Julian Augustus, but he rejected this title. After mounting a series of follow-up raids into Alamannic territory, he retired to winter quarters at Lutetia, and on the way defeated some Frankish raiders in the Mosa region. Julian considered this campaign one of the major events of his time as Caesar.
Julian began his 358 military campaigns early, hoping to catch the barbarians by surprise. His first target was the Franks in the northern Rhine region. He then proceeded to restore some forts in the Mosa region, but his soldiers threatened to mutiny because they were on short rations and had not been paid their donative since Julian had become Caesar. After he soothed his soldiers, Julian spent the rest of the summer negotiating a peace with various Alamannic leaders in the mid and lower Rhine areas, and retired to winter quarters at Lutetia. In 359, he prepared once again to carry out a series of punitive expeditions against the Alamanni in the Rhine region who were still hostile to the Roman presence. In preparation, the Caesar repopulated seven previously destroyed cities and set them up as supply bases and staging areas. This was done with the help of the people with whom Julian had negotiated a peace the year before. Julian then had a detachment of lightly armed soldiers cross the Rhine near Mogontiacum and conduct a guerilla strike against several chieftains. As a result of these campaigns, Julian was able to negotiate a peace with all but a handful of the Alamannic leaders, and he retired to winter quarters at Lutetia.
Of course, Julian did more than act as a general during his time as Caesar. According to Ammianus, Julian was an able administrator who took steps to correct the injustices of Constantius' appointees. Ammianus related the story of how Julian prevented Florentius, the Praetorian Prefect of Gaul, from raising taxes, and also how Julian actually took over as governor for the province of Belgica Secunda. Hilary, bishop of Poitiers, supported Ammianus' basic assessment of Julian in this regard when he reported that Julian was an able representative of the emperor to the Gallic provincials. There is also epigraphic evidence to support Julian's popularity amongst the provincial elites. An inscription found near Beneventum in Apulia reads:
"To Flavius Claudius Julianus, most noble and sanctified Caesar, from the caring Tocius Maximus, vir clarissimus, for the care of the res publica from Beneventum".
Tocius Maximus, as a vir clarissimus, was at the highest point in the social spectrum and was a leader in his local community. This inscription shows that Julian was successful in establishing a positive image amongst provincial elites while he was Caesar.
Julian Augustus
In early 360, Constantius, driven by jealousy of Julian's success, stripped Julian of many troops and officers, ostensibly because the emperor needed them for his upcoming campaign against the Persians. One of the legions ordered east, the Petulantes, did not want to leave Gaul because the majority of the soldiers in the unit were from this region. As a result they mutinied and hailed Julian as Augustus at Lutetia. Julian refused this acclamation as he had done at Argentoratum earlier, but the soldiers would have none of his denial. They raised him on a shield and adorned him with a neck chain, which had formerly been the possession of the standard-bearer of the Petulantes and symbolized a royal diadem. Julian appeared reluctantly to acquiesce to their wishes, and promised a generous donative. The exact date of his acclamation is unknown, but most scholars put it in February or March. Julian himself supported Ammianus' picture of a jealous Constantius. In his Letter to the Athenians, a document constructed to answer charges that he was a usurper, Julian stated that from the start he, as Caesar, had been meant as a figurehead to the soldiers and provincials. The real power he claimed lay with the generals and officials already present in Gaul. In fact, according to Julian, the generals were charged with watching him as much as the enemy. His account of the actual acclamation closely followed what Ammianus told us, but he stressed even more his reluctance to take power. Julian claimed that he did so only after praying to Zeus for guidance.
Fearing the reaction of Constantius, Julian sent a letter to his fellow emperor justifying the events at Lutetia and trying to arrange a peaceful solution. This letter berated Constantius for forcing the troops in Gaul into an untenable situation. Ammianus stated that Julian's letter blamed Constantius' decision to transfer Gallic legions east as the reason for the soldiers' rebellion. Julian once again asserted that he was an unwilling participant who was only following the desire of the soldiers. In both of these basic accounts Ammianus and Julian are playing upon the theme of restoration. Implicit in their version of Julian's acclamation is the argument that Constantius was unfit to rule. The soldiers were the vehicle of the gods' will. The Letter to the Athenians is full of references to the fact that Julian was assuming the mantle of Augustus at the instigation of the gods. Ammianus summed up this position nicely when he related the story of how, when Julian was agonizing over whether to accept the soldiers' acclamation, he had a dream in which he was visited by the Genius (guardian spirit) of the Roman state. The Genius told Julian that it had often tried to bestow high honors upon Julian but had been rebuffed. Now, the Genius went on to say, was Julian's final chance to take the power that was rightfully his. If the Caesar refused this chance, the Genius would depart forever, and both Julian and the state would rue Julian's rejection. Julian himself wrote a letter to his friend Maximus of Ephesus in November of 361 detailing his thoughts on his proclamation. In this letter, Julian stated that the soldiers proclaimed him Augustus against his will. Julian, however, defended his accession, saying that the gods willed it and that he had treated his enemies with clemency and justice. He went on to say that he led the troops in propitiating the traditional deities, because the gods commanded him to return to the traditional rites, and would reward him if he fulfilled this duty.
During 360 an uneasy peace simmered between the two emperors. Julian spent the 360 campaigning season continuing his efforts to restore order along the Rhine, while Constantius continued operations against the Persians. Julian wintered in Vienne, and celebrated his Quinquennalia. It was at this time that his wife Helena died, and he sent her remains to Rome for a proper burial at his family villa on the Via Nomentana where the body of her sister was entombed. The uneasy peace held through the summer of 361, but Julian concentrated his military operations around harassing the Alamannic chieftain Vadomarius and his allies, who had concluded a peace treaty with Constantius some years earlier. By the end of the summer, Julian decided to put an end to the waiting and gathered his army to march east against Constantius. The empire teetered on the brink of another civil war. Constantius had spent the summer negotiating with the Persians and making preparations for possible military action against his cousin. When he was assured that the Persians would not attack, he summoned his army and sallied forth to meet Julian. As the armies drew inexorably closer to one another, the empire was saved from another bloody civil war when Constantius died unexpectedly of natural causes on 3 November near the town of Mopsucrenae in Cilicia, naming Julian -- the sources say-- as his legitimate successor.
Julian was in Dacia when he learned of his cousin's death. He made his way through Thrace and came to Constantinople on 11 December 361 where Julian honored the emperor with the funeral rites appropriate for a man of his station. Julian immediately set about putting his supporters in positions of power and trimming the imperial bureaucracy, which had become extremely overstaffed during Constantius' reign. Cooks and barbers had increased during the late emperor's reign and Julian expelled them from his court. Ammianus gave a mixed assessment of how the new emperor handled the followers of Constantius. Traditionally, emperors were supposed to show clemency to the supporters of a defeated enemy. Julian, however, gave some men over to death to appease the army. Ammianus used the case of Ursulus, Constantius' comes sacrum largitionum, to illustrate his point. Ursulus had actually tried to acquire money for the Gallic troops when Julian had first been appointed Caesar, but he had also made a disparaging remark about the ineffectiveness of the army after the battle of Amida. The soldiers remembered this, and when Julian became sole Augustus, they demanded Ursulus' head. Julian obliged, much to the disapproval of Ammianus. This seems to be a case of Julian courting the favor of the military leadership, and is indicative of a pattern in which Julian courted the goodwill of various societal elites to legitimize his position as emperor.
Another case in point is the officials who made up the imperial bureaucracy. Many of them were subjected to trial and punishment. To achieve this goal, during the last weeks of December 361 Julian assembled a military tribunal at Chalcedon, empanelling six judges to try the cases. The president of the tribunal was Salutius, just promoted to the rank of Praetorian Prefect; the five other members were Mamertinus, the orator, and four general officers: Jovinus, Agilo, Nevitta, and Arbetio. Relative to the proceedings of the tribunal, Ammianus noted that the judges, " . . . oversaw the cases more vehemently than was right or fair, with the exception of a few . . .." Ammianus' account of Julian's attempt at reform of the imperial bureaucracy is supported by legal evidence from the Theodosian Code. A series of laws sent to Mamertinus, Julian's appointee as Praetorian Prefect in Italy, Illyricum, and Africa, illustrate this point nicely. On 6 June 362, Mamertinus received a law that prohibited provincial governors from bypassing the Vicars when giving their reports to the Prefect. Traditionally, Vicars were given civil authority over a group of provinces, and were in theory meant to serve as a middle step between governors and Prefects. This law suggests that the Vicars were being left out, at least in Illyricum. Julian issued another edict to Mamertinus on 22 February 362 to stop abuse of the public post by governors. According to this law, only Mamertinus could issue post warrants, but the Vicars were given twelve blank warrants to be used as they saw fit, and each governor was given two. Continuing the trend of bureaucratic reform, Julian also imposed penalties on governors who purposefully delayed appeals in court cases they had heard. The emperor also established a new official to weigh solidi used in official government transactions to combat coin clipping.
For Julian, reigning in the abuses of imperial bureaucrats was one step in restoring the prestige of the office of emperor. Because he could not affect all elements of society personally, Julian, like other Neo-Flavian emperors, decided to concentrate on select groups of societal elites as intercessors between himself and the general populace. One of these groups was the imperial bureaucracy. Julian made it very clear that imperial officials were intercessors in a very real sense in a letter to Alypius, Vicar of Britain. In this letter, sent from Gaul sometime before 361, the emperor praises Alypius for his use of "mildness and moderation with courage and force" in his rule of the provincials. Such virtues were characteristic of the emperors, and it was good that Alypius is representing Julian in this way. Julian courted the army because it put him in power. Another group he sought to include in his rule was the traditional Senatorial aristocracy. One of his first appointments as consul was Claudius Mamertinus, a Gallic Senator and rhetorician. Mamertinus' speech in praise of Julian delivered at Constantinople in January of 362 is preserved. In this speech, Claudius presented his consular selection as inaugurating a new golden age and Julian as the restorer of the empire founded by Augustus. The image Mamertinus gave of his own consulate inaugurating a new golden age is not merely formulaic. The comparison of Julian to Augustus has very real, if implicit, relevance to Claudius' situation. Claudius emphasized the imperial period as the true age of renewal. Augustus ushered in a new era with his formation of a partnership between the emperor and the Senate based upon a series of honors and offices bestowed upon the Senate in return for their role as intercessor between emperor and populace. It was this system that Julian was restoring, and the consulate was one concrete example of this bond. To be chosen as a consul by the emperor, who himself had been divinely mandated, was a divine honor. In addition to being named consul, Mamertinus went on to hold several offices under Julian, including the Prefecture of Italy, Illyricum, and Africa. Similarly, inscriptional evidence illustrates a link between municipal elites and Julian during his time as Caesar, something which continued after he became emperor. One concrete example comes from the municipal senate of Aceruntia in Apulia, which established a monument on which Julian is styled as "Repairer of the World."
Julian seems to have given up actual Christian belief before his acclamation as emperor and was a practitioner of more traditional Greco-Roman religious beliefs, in particular, a follower of certain late antique Platonist philosophers who were especially adept at theurgy as was noted earlier. In fact Julian himself spoke of his conversion to Neo-Platonism in a letter to the Alexandrians written in 363. He stated that he had abandoned Christianity when he was twenty years old and been an adherent of the traditional Greco-Roman deities for the twelve years prior to writing this letter.
(For the complete text of this article see: http://www.roman-emperors.org/julian.htm)
Julian’s Persian Campaign
The exact goals Julian had for his ill-fated Persian campaign were never clear. The Sassanid Persians, and before them the Parthians, had been a traditional enemy from the time of the Late Republic, and indeed Constantius had been conducting a war against them before Julian's accession forced the former to forge an uneasy peace. Julian, however, had no concrete reason to reopen hostilities in the east. Socrates Scholasticus attributed Julian's motives to imitation of Alexander the Great, but perhaps the real reason lay in his need to gather the support of the army. Despite his acclamation by the Gallic legions, relations between Julian and the top military officers was uneasy at best. A war against the Persians would have brought prestige and power both to Julian and the army.
Julian set out on his fateful campaign on 5 March 363. Using his trademark strategy of striking quickly and where least expected, he moved his army through Heirapolis and from there speedily across the Euphrates and into the province of Mesopotamia, where he stopped at the town of Batnae. His plan was to eventually return through Armenia and winter in Tarsus. Once in Mesopotamia, Julian was faced with the decision of whether to travel south through the province of Babylonia or cross the Tigris into Assyria, and he eventually decided to move south through Babylonia and turn west into Assyria at a later date. By 27 March, he had the bulk of his army across the Euphrates, and had also arranged a flotilla to guard his supply line along the mighty river. He then left his generals Procopius and Sebastianus to help Arsacius, the king of Armenia and a Roman client, to guard the northern Tigris line. It was also during this time that he received the surrender of many prominent local leaders who had nominally supported the Persians. These men supplied Julian with money and troops for further military action against their former masters. Julian decided to turn south into Babylonia and proceeded along the Euphrates, coming to the fortress of Cercusium at the junction of the Abora and Euphrates Rivers around the first of April, and from there he took his army west to a region called Zaitha near the abandoned town of Dura where they visited the tomb of the emperor Gordian which was in the area. On April 7 he set out from there into the heart of Babylonia and towards Assyria.
Ammianus then stated that Julian and his army crossed into Assyria, which on the face of things appears very confusing. Julian still seems to be operating within the province of Babylonia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The confusion is alleviated when one realizes that,for Ammianus, the region of Assyria encompassed the provinces of Babylonia and Assyria. On their march, Julian's forces took the fortress of Anatha, received the surrender and support of several more local princes, and ravaged the countryside of Assyria between the rivers. As the army continued south, they came across the fortresses Thilutha and Achaiachala, but these places were too well defended and Julian decided to leave them alone. Further south were the cities Diacira and Ozogardana, which the Roman forces sacked and burned. Soon, Julian came to Pirisabora and a brief siege ensued, but the city fell and was also looted and destroyed. It was also at this time that the Roman army met its first systematic resistance from the Persians. As the Romans penetrated further south and west, the local inhabitants began to flood their route. Nevertheless, the Roman forces pressed on and came to Maiozamalcha, a sizable city not far from Ctesiphon. After a short siege, this city too fell to Julian. Inexorably, Julian's forces zeroed in on Ctesiphon, but as they drew closer, the Persian resistance grew fiercer, with guerilla raids whittling at Julian's men and supplies. A sizable force of the army was lost and the emperor himself was almost killed taking a fort a few miles from the target city.
Finally, the army approached Ctesiphon following a canal that linked the Tigris and Euphrates. It soon became apparent after a few preliminary skirmishes that a protracted siege would be necessary to take this important city. Many of his generals, however, thought that pursuing this course of action would be foolish. Julian reluctantly agreed, but became enraged by this failure and ordered his fleet to be burned as he decided to march through the province of Assyria. Julian had planned for his army to live off the land, but the Persians employed a scorched-earth policy. When it became apparent that his army would perish (because his supplies were beginning to dwindle) from starvation and the heat if he continued his campaign, and also in the face of superior numbers of the enemy, Julian ordered a retreat on 16 June. As the Roman army retreated, they were constantly harassed by guerilla strikes. It was during one of these raids that Julian got caught up in the fighting and took a spear to his abdomen. Mortally wounded he was carried to his tent, where, after conferring with some of his officers, he died. The date was 26 June 363.
Conclusion
Thus an ignominious end for a man came about who had hoped to restore the glory of the Roman empire during his reign as emperor. Due to his intense hatred of Christianity, the opinion of posterity has not been kind to Julian. The contemporary opinion, however, was overall positive. The evidence shows that Julian was a complex ruler with a definite agenda to use traditional social institutions in order to revive what he saw as a collapsing empire. In the final assessment, he was not so different from any of the other emperors of the fourth century. He was a man grasping desperately to hang on to a Greco-Roman conception of leadership that was undergoing a subtle yet profound change.
Copyright (C) 2002, Walter E. Roberts and Michael DiMaio, Jr. Used by permission.
In reality, Julian worked to promote culture and philosophy in any manifestation. He tried to reduce taxes and the public debts of municipalities; he augmented administrative decentralisation; he promoted a campaign of austerity to reduce public expenditure (setting himself as the example). He reformed the postal service and eliminated the powerful secret police.
by Federico Morando; JULIAN II, The Apostate, See the Julian II Page on NumisWiki
Flavius Claudius Iulianus was born in 331 or maybe 332 A.D. in Constantinople. He ruled the Western Empire as Caesar from 355 to 360 and was hailed Augustus by his legions in Lutetia (Paris) in 360. Julian was a gifted administrator and military strategist. Famed as the last pagan emperor, his reinstatement of the pagan religion earned him the moniker "the Apostate." As evidenced by his brilliant writing, some of which has survived to the present day, the title "the Philosopher" may have been more appropriate. He died from wounds suffered during the Persian campaign of 363 A.D. Joseph Sermarini, FORVM.
Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
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142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC VII 032, AE-3 Follis, palm/S over•//SMN, PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Jupiter standing left, R2!!142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC VII 032, AE-3 Follis, palm/S over•//SMN, PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Jupiter standing left, R2!!
avers:- D-N-FL-IVL-CRISPVS-NOB-CAES, 5b, B4, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- PROVIDEN-TIAE-CAES-S, Jupiter stg. left, chlamys across left shoulder, leaning on sceptre, holding Victory on globe. Palm in the left field at foot, S over • in right field.
exergo: palm/S over•//SMN, diameter: 19mm, weight: 3,80g, axis: 6h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 317-320 AD., ref: RIC-VII-32, p604, R2!!
Q-001quadrans
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145 Constantinus II. (316-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-340 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VII 189, AE-3 Follis, -/-//SMNB, GLORIA EXERCITVS, Two soldiers with two standards, R1! #1145 Constantinus II. (316-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-340 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VII 189, AE-3 Follis, -/-//SMNB, GLORIA EXERCITVS, Two soldiers with two standards, R1! #1
avers: CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, Laureate, cuirassed bust right.
reverse: GLOR IA EXER CITVS, Two soldiers standing either side of two standards.
exergue: -/-//SMNB, diameter: 16,5-17,5mm, weight: 2,52g, axis: 11h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 330-335 A.D.,
ref: RIC VII 189, p-633, R1!
Q-001quadrans
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145 Constantinus II. (316-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-340 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VII 189, AE-3 Follis, -/-//SMNΓ, GLORIA EXERCITVS, Two soldiers with two standards, R2! #1145 Constantinus II. (316-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-340 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VII 189, AE-3 Follis, -/-//SMNΓ, GLORIA EXERCITVS, Two soldiers with two standards, R2! #1
avers: CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, Laureate, cuirassed bust right.
reverse: GLOR IA EXER CITVS, Two soldiers standing either side of two standards.
exergue: -/-//SMNΓ, diameter: 17,5mm, weight: 1,93g, axis: 7h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 330-335 A.D.,
ref: RIC VII 189, p-633, R2!
Q-001quadrans
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147 Constantius II. (324-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-361 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VIII 084, AE-2 Follis, Γ/-//SMNA, FELTEMP REPARATIO, Soldier spearing falling enemy, #1147 Constantius II. (324-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-361 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VIII 084, AE-2 Follis, Γ/-//SMNA, FELTEMP REPARATIO, Soldier spearing falling enemy, #1
avers: D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG, (Cs1, D3), Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: FEL TEMP RE-PARATIO, Soldier spearing falling enemy horseman who wears Phrygian helmet and is reaching backwards; shield on ground to right .
exergue: Γ/-//SMNA, diameter: 21,5-24,0mm, weight: 5,11g, axis: 6h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 351-355 A.D.,
ref: RIC VIII 084, p-478,
Q-001quadrans
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147 Constantius II. (324-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-361 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VIII 084, AE-2 Follis, Γ/-//SMNA, FELTEMP REPARATIO, Soldier spearing falling enemy, #2147 Constantius II. (324-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-361 A.D. Augustus), Nicomedia, RIC VIII 084, AE-2 Follis, Γ/-//SMNA, FELTEMP REPARATIO, Soldier spearing falling enemy, #2
avers: D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG, (Cs1, D3), Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: FEL TEMP RE-PARATIO, Soldier spearing falling enemy horseman who wears Phrygian helmet and is reaching backwards; shield on ground to right .
exergue: Γ/-//SMNA, diameter: 21,0-22,5mm, weight: 4,70g, axis: 0h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 351-355 A.D.,
ref: RIC VIII 084, p-478,
Q-002quadrans
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148 - Galerius - RIC VI Nicomedia 54aObv:– IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMIIANVS P F AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:– GENIO AVGVSTI CMH, Genius standing left
Minted in Nicomedia, (SMNΔ in exe.), Group IVbetween December A.D. 308 and May A.D. 310
References:– RIC VI Nicomedia 54a (Common)maridvnvm
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153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC VIII 120, AE-1, -/-//NIKA * ??, SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, R!, #1153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC VIII 120, AE-1, -/-//NIKA * ??, SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, R!, #1
avers: D N FL CL IVLI ANVS P F AVG (J8), Bearded, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right (D3).
reverse: SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, two stars above.
exergue: -/-//NIKA * ??, diameter: 27-28mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 361-363 A.D., ref: RIC-VIII-120, R!
Q-001quadrans
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155 Valentinianus I. (364-375 A.D.), RIC IX 007a1A, Nicomedia, AE-1, RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, -/-//SMNA, Emperor standing front, R2! #1155 Valentinianus I. (364-375 A.D.), RIC IX 007a1A, Nicomedia, AE-1, RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, -/-//SMNA, Emperor standing front, R2! #1
avers: D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Emperor standing front, looking right, in military dress, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
exergue: -/-//SMNA, diameter: 25,0-25,5mm, weight: 9,18g, axis: 0h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 367-375 A.D.,
ref: RIC IX 7a1A, p-251, C-30, 2R!!
Q-001quadrans
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159 Valentinianus II. (375-392 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC IX 040a, -/-//SMNA, AE-2 Follis, GLORIA ROMANORVM, Emperor in galley left, #1159 Valentinianus II. (375-392 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC IX 040a, -/-//SMNA, AE-2 Follis, GLORIA ROMANORVM, Emperor in galley left, #1
avers:- D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, helmeted, draped, cuirassed bust right, shield in left hand, spear pointing forward in right hand.
revers:- GLORIA-RO-MANORVM, Emperor standing facing,head right, right hand raised, chlamys flying behind, in galley left, piloted by seated Victory. (T in left field?).
exergo: -/-//SMNA, diameter: 22mm, weight: 3,76g, axis: 5h, Scarce!
mint: Nicomedia, date: 383-388 A.D., ref: RIC-IX-40a, p-,
Q-001quadrans
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159 Valentinianus II. (375-392 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC IX 045a-2, Chi-Rho/-//SMNB, AE-2 Follis, SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory advancing right, #1159 Valentinianus II. (375-392 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC IX 045a-2, Chi-Rho/-//SMNB, AE-2 Follis, SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory advancing right, #1
avers:- D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
revers:- SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory advancing right, dragging captive (leaning) and carrying trophy on shoulder, Chi-Rho in the left field.
exergo: Chi-Rho/-//SMNB, diameter: 12,5-13mm, weight: 1,36g, axis: 0h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 388-392 A.D., ref: RIC-IX-45a-2, p-262,
Q-001quadrans
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169 - Constans - AE2 - RIC VIII Nicomedia 70AE2
Obv:- D N CONSTA-NS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust left, globe in right hand.
Rev:- FEL TEMP REPA-RATIO, Helmeted soldier, spear in left hand, advancing right, head left; with his right hand he leads a small bare-headed figure from a hut beneath a tree. The spear points downwards, between the soldier's legs.
Minted in Nicomedia, officina B; (//SMNB), A.D. 348-351 A.D.
Reference:– RIC VIII Nicomedia 70maridvnvm
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174 Zeno ( 476-491 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC X 964, -/-//NIC (?), AE-4, Monogram (type:1) in wreath, R !!, #1174 Zeno ( 476-491 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC X 964, -/-//NIC (?), AE-4, Monogram (type:1) in wreath, R !!, #1
avers:- (Legend ???), Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- Monogram (type:1) in wreath,
exe: -/-//NIC (?), diameter: 8 mm, weight: 0,88 g, axis: 6h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: A.D., ref: RIC X 964, p-314,
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1bz Elagabalus_2218-222
Denarius
Laureate, horned & draped bust rightt, IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Elagabalus standing left, sacrificing from patera over lit tripod altar, holding branch, star in field left, SVMMVS SACERDOS AVG
RIC 146
The Historia Augusta, in the life of Caracalla, notes: Bassianus lived for forty-three years and ruled for six. . . . He left a son, who afterward received, like his father, the name Antoninus Marcus Antoninus Elagabalus; for such a hold had the name of the Antonines that it could not be removed from the thoughts of the people, because it had taken root in the hearts of all, even as had the name of Augustus.
In the life of Macrinus is recorded: Now there was a certain woman of the city of Emesa, called [Julia] Maesa or Varia; she was the sister of Julia, the wife of [Septimius] Severus Pertinax the African, and after the death of Antoninus Bassianus she had been expelled from her home in the palace through the arrogance of Macrinus. . . . This woman had two daughters, [Julia Soaemias] and [Julia] Mamaea, the elder of whom was the mother of Elagabalus; he assumed the names Bassianus and Antoninus, for the Phoenicians give the name Elagabalus to the Sun. Elagabalus, moreover, was notable for his beauty and stature and for the priesthood which he held, and he was well known to all who frequented the temple, and particularly to the soldiers. To these, Maesa, or Varia as she was also called, declared that this Bassianus was the son of Antoninus, and this was gradually made known to all the soldiers. Maesa herself, furthermore, was very rich (whence also Elagabalus was most wasteful of money), and through her promises to the soldiers the legions were persuaded to desert Macrinus. . . .
Finally, when he received the imperial power, he took the name Antoninus and was the last of the Antonines to rule the Roman Empire. . . . He was wholly under the control of his mother [Soaemias], so much so, in fact, that he did no public business without her consent, although she lived like a harlot and practised all manner of lewdness in the palace. For that matter, her amour with Antoninus Caracalla was so notorious that Varius, or rather Elagabalus, was commonly supposed to be his son. . . . In short, when Elagabalus' message was read in the senate, at once good wishes were uttered for Antoninus and curses on Macrinus and his son, and, in accordance with the general wish and the eager belief of all in his paternity, Antoninus was hailed as emperor. . . .
After he had spent the winter in Nicomedia, [218-219] living in a depraved manner and indulging in unnatural vice with men, the soldiers soon began to regret that they had conspired against Macrinus to make this man emperor, and they turned their thoughts toward his cousin Alexander, who on the murder of Macrinus had been hailed by the senate as Caesar. . . . Among the base actions of his life of depravity he gave orders that Alexander, whom he had formally adopted, be removed from his presence, saying that he regretted the adoption. Then he commanded the senate to take away from Alexander the name of Caesar. But when this was announced to the senate, there was a profound silence. For Alexander was an excellent youth, as was afterwards shown by the character of his rule, even though, because he was chaste, he was displeasing to his adoptive father he was also, as some declare, his cousin. Besides, he was loved by the soldiers and acceptable to the senate and the equestrian order. Yet the Emperor's madness went the length of an attempt to carry out the basest design; for he despatched assassins to kill Alexander. . . . The soldiers, however, and particularly the members of the guard, either because they knew what evils were in store for Elagabalus, or because they foresaw his hatred for themselves, formed a conspiracy to set the state free. First they attacked the accomplices in his plan of murdering Alexander. . . . Next they fell upon Elagabalus himself and slew him in a latrine in which he had taken refuge.Blindado
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1ds Diocletian284-305
AE antoninianus
Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust, right, IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG
Zeus and Diocletian, CONCORDIA MILITVM
RIC 284B
According to the Historia Augusta, after the death of Numerian: Then a huge assembly was held and a tribunal, too, was constructed. And when the question was asked who would be the most lawful avenger of Numerian and who could be given to the commonwealth as a good emperor, then all, with a heaven-sent unanimity, conferred the title of Augustus on Diocletian. . . . He was at this time in command of the household-troops, an outstanding man and wise, devoted to the commonwealth, devoted to his kindred, duly prepared to face whatever the occasion demanded, forming plans that were always deep though sometimes over-bold, and one who could by prudence and exceeding firmness hold in check the impulses of a restless spirit. This man, then, having ascended the tribunal was hailed as Augustus, and when someone asked how Numerian had been slain, he drew his sword and pointing to Aper, the prefect of the guard, he drove it through him, saying as he did so, "It is he who contrived Numerian's death.''
Eutropius summarized a long and important reign: DIOCLETIAN, a native of Dalmatia, [was] of such extremely obscure birth, that he is said by most writers to have been the son of a clerk, but by some to have been a freedman of a senator named Anulinus. . . . He soon after overthrew Carinus, who was living under the utmost hatred and detestation, in a great battle at Margum, Carinus being betrayed by his own troops, for though he had a greater number of men than the enemy, he was altogether abandoned by them between Viminacium and mount Aureus. He thus became master of the Roman empire; and when the peasants in Gaul made an insurrection, giving their faction the name of Bagaudae, and having for leaders Amandus and Aelianus, he despatched Maximian Herculius, with the authority of Caesar, to suppress them. Maximian, in a few battles of little importance, subdued the rustic multitude, and restored peace to Gaul. . . .
Diocletian promoted MAXIMIAN HERCULIUS from the dignity of Caesar to that of emperor, and created Constantius and Maximian Galerius Caesars, of whom Constantius is said to have been the grand-nephew of Claudius by a daughter, and Maximian Galerius to have been born in Dacia not far from Sardica. That he might also unite them by affinity, Constantius married Theodora the step-daughter of Herculius, by whom he had afterwards six children, brothers to Constantine; while Galerius married Valeria, the daughter of Diocletian; both being obliged to divorce the wives that they had before. . . .
Diocletian, meanwhile, besieging Achilleus in Alexandria, obliged him to surrender about eight months after, and put him to death. He used his victory, indeed, cruelly, and distressed all Egypt with severe proscriptions and massacres. Yet at the same time he made many judicious arrangements and regulations, which continue to our own days. . . .
Diocletian was of a crafty disposition, with much sagacity, and keen penetration. He was willing to gratify his own disposition to cruelty in such a way as to throw the odium upon others; he was however a very active and able prince. He was the first that introduced into the Roman empire a ceremony suited rather to royal usages than to Roman liberty, giving orders that he should be adored, whereas all emperors before him were only saluted. He put ornaments of precious stones on his dress and shoes, when the imperial distinction had previously been only in the purple robe, the rest of the habit being the same as that of other men. . . .
But when Diocletian, as age bore heavily upon him, felt himself unable to sustain the government of the empire, he suggested to Herculius that they should both retire into private life, and commit the duty of upholding the state to more vigorous and youthful hands. With this suggestion his colleague reluctantly complied. Both of them, in the same day, exchanged the robe of empire for an ordinary dress, Diocletian at Nicomedia, Herculius at Milan, soon after a magnificent triumph which they celebrated at Rome over several nations, with a noble succession of pictures, and in which the wives, sisters, and children of Narseus were led before their chariots. The one then retired to Salonae, and the other into Lucania.
Diocletian lived to an old age in a private station, at a villa which is not far from Salonae, in honourable retirement, exercising extraordinary philosophy, inasmuch as he alone of all men, since the foundation of the Roman empire, voluntarily returned from so high a dignity to the condition of private life, and to an equality with the other citizens. That happened to him, therefore, which had happened to no one since men were created, that, though he died in a private condition, he was enrolled among the gods. Blindado
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1dt Maximianus286-305, 306-308, 310
Quarter Follis
Laureate head, right, IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS P F AVG
Genius standing left, with modius on head, cornucopia & patera, GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, SIS in exergue
RIC 146
Eutropius records: [Diocletian] thus became master of the Roman empire; and when the peasants in Gaul made an insurrection, giving their faction the name of Bagaudae, and having for leaders Amandus and Aelianus, he despatched Maximian Herculius, with the authority of Caesar, to suppress them. Maximian, in a few battles of little importance, subdued the rustic multitude, and restored peace to Gaul. . . . While disorder thus prevailed throughout the world, while Carausius was taking arms in Britain and Achilleus in Egypt, while the Quinquegentiani were harassing Africa, and Narseus was making war upon the east, Diocletian promoted MAXIMIAN HERCULIUS from the dignity of Caesar to that "of emperor, and created Constantius and Maximian Galerius Caesars. . . .
Maximian the emperor, brought the war to an end in Africa, by subduing the Quinquegentiani, and compelling them to make peace. . . .
Herculius was undisguisedly cruel, and of a violent temper, and showed his severity of disposition in the sternness of his looks. Gratifying his own inclination, he joined with Diocletian in even the most cruel of his proceedings. But when Diocletian, as age bore heavily upon him, felt himself unable to sustain the government of the empire, he suggested to Herculius that they should both retire into private life, and commit the duty of upholding the state to more vigorous and youthful hands. With this suggestion his colleague reluctantly complied. Both of them, in the same day, exchanged the robe of empire for an ordinary dress, Diocletian at Nicomedia, Herculius at Milan, soon after a magnificent triumph which they celebrated at Rome over several nations, with a noble succession of pictures, and in which the wives, sisters, and children of Narseus were led before their chariots. The one then retired to Salonae, and the other into Lucania.
But after the death of Constantius, CONSTANTINE, his son by a wife of obscure birth, was made emperor in Britain, and succeeded his father as a most desirable ruler. In the meantime the praetorian guards at Rome, having risen in insurrection, declared MAXENTIUS, the son of Maximian Herculius, who lived in the Villa Publica not far from the city, emperor. At the news of this proceeding, Maximian, filled with hopes of regaining the imperial dignity, which he had not willingly resigned, hurried to Rome from Lucania. . . , and stimulated Diocletian by letters to resume the authority that he had laid down, letters which Diocletian utterly disregarded. Severus Caesar, being despatched to Rome by Galerius to suppress the rising of the guards and Maxentius, arrived there with his army, but, as he was laying siege to the city, was deserted through the treachery of his soldiers.
The power of Maxentius was thus increased, and his government established. Severus, taking to flight, was killed at Ravenna. Maximian Herculius, attempting afterwards, in an assembly of the army, to divest his son Maxentius of his power, met with nothing but mutiny and reproaches from the soldiery. He then set out for Gaul, on a planned stratagem, as if he had been driven away by his son, that he might join his son-in-law Constantine, designing, however, if he could find an opportunity, to cut off Constantine, who was ruling in Gaul with great approbation both of the soldiers and the people of the province, having overthrown the Franks and Alemanni with great slaughter, and captured their kings, whom, on exhibiting a magnificent show of games, he exposed to wild beasts. But the plot being made known by Maximian's daughter Fausta, who communicated the design to her husband, Maximian was cut off at Marseilles, whence he was preparing to sail to join his son, and died a well-deserved death. . . .Blindado
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1ec_2 Constantine the Great307-337
Follis
Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right, IMP CONSTANTINVS PF AVG
Sol standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand, captive to left. Mintmark RQ.
RIC VII 52
According to Zonaras: Constans, in the eleventh year of his reign since he had been proclaimed Caesar, having ruled gently and mildly, came to the end of his life while residing in Britain, having, because of his goodness, bequeathed grief for himself among those he ruled, first having appointed successor the elder of his own sons, namely Constantine the Great, whom he begat by his first wife. He also had by his second wife, Herculius’ daughter Theodora, other sons, Constantinus, Hannibalianus, and Constantius. Constantine the Great was preferred over them, since they were judged by their father to be unsuited for sovereignty. . . . Constantine, when he was still a lad, was actually given by his father as a hostage to Gallerius, in order that, serving as a hostage, at the same time he be trained in the exercise of the soldierly art.
Eutropius summarizes: CONSTANTINE, being a man of great energy, bent upon effecting whatever he had settled in his mind, and aspiring to the sovereignty of the whole world, proceeded to make war on Licinius, although he had formed a connexion with him by marriage,5 for his sister Constantia was married to Licinius. And first of all be overthrew him, by a sudden attack, at Cibalae in Pannonia, where he was making vast preparations for war; and after becoming master of Dardania, Maesia, and Macedonia, took possession also of several other provinces.
There were then various contests between them, and peace made and broken. At last Licinius, defeated in a battle at Nicomedia by sea and land, surrendered himself, and, in violation of an oath taken by Constantine, was put to death, after being divested of the purple, at Thessalonica.
At this time the Roman empire fell under the sway of one emperor and three Caesars, a state of things which had never existed before; the sons of Constantine ruling over Gaul, the east, and Italy. But the pride of prosperity caused Constantine greatly to depart from his former agreeable mildness of temper. Falling first upon his own relatives, he put to death his son, an excellent man; his sister's son, a youth of amiable disposition; soon afterwards his wife, and subsequently many of his friends.
He was a man, who, in the beginning of his reign, might have been compared to the best princes; in the latter part of it, only to those of a middling character. Innumerable good qualities of mind and body were apparent in him; he was exceedingly ambitious of military glory, and had great success in his wars; a success, however, not more than proportioned to his exertions. After he had terminated the Civil war, he also overthrew the Goths on various occasions, granting them at last peace, and leaving on the minds of the barbarians a strong remembrance of his kindness. He was attached to the arts of peace and to liberal studies, and was ambitious of honourable popularity, which he, indeed, sought by every kind of liberality and obligingness. Though he was slow, from suspicion, to serve some of his friends,6 yet he was exceedingly generous towards others, neglecting no opportunity to add to their riches and honours.
He enacted many laws, some good and equitable, but most of them superfluous, and some severe. He was the first that endeavoured to raise the city named after him to such a height as to make it a rival to Rome. As he was preparing for war against the Parthians, who were then disturbing Mesopotamia, he died in the Villa Publica, at Nicomedia, in the thirty-first year of his reign, and the sixty-sixth of his age.
Zosimus described Constantine's conversion to Christianity: For he put to death his son Crispus, stiled (as I mentioned) Caesar, on suspicion of debauching his mother-in-law Fausta, without any regard to the ties of nature. And when his own mother Helena expressed much sorrow for this atrocity, lamenting the young man's death with great bitterness, Constantine under pretence of comforting her, applied a remedy worse than the disease. For causing a bath to be heated to an extraordinary degree, he shut up Fausta in it, and a short time after took her out dead. Of which his conscience accusing him, as also of violating his oath, he went to the priests to be purified from his crimes. But they told him, that there was no kind of lustration that was sufficient to clear him of such enormities. A Spaniard, named Aegyptius, very familiar with the court-ladies, being at Rome, happened to fall into converse with Constantine, and assured him, that the Christian doctrine would teach him how to cleanse himself from all his offences, and that they who received it were immediately absolved from all their sins. Constantine had no sooner heard this than he easily believed what was told him, and forsaking the rites of his country, received those which Aegyptius offered him ; and for the first instance of his impiety, suspected the truth of divination.Blindado
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1et Valentinian II373-392
AE3, Nicomedia
Pearl-diademed, draped & cuirassed bust rightt, D N VALENTINIANVS IVN P F AVG
Roma seated on cuirass, holding spear and Victory on globe, VRBS ROMA
The SMN mintmark indicates that the coin was minted in Nicomedia, but RIC does not list this reverse type for that mint.
Sim to RIC 51
Zosimus reports: Valentinian being dead, the tribunes Merobaudes and Equitius, reflecting on the distance at which Valens and Gratian resided, the former being in the east, and the latter left by his father in the western part of Gaul, were apprehensive lest the Barbarians beyond the Ister should make an effort while the country was without a ruler. They therefore sent for the younger son of Valentinian, who was born of his wife the widow of Magnentius, who was not far from thence with the child. Having clothed him in purple, they brought him into the court, though scarcely five years old. The empire was afterwards divided between Gratian and the younger Valentinian, at the discretion of their guardians, they not being of age to manage their own affairs. The Celtic nations, Spain, and Britain were given to Gratian; and Italy, Illyricum, and Africa to Valentinian. . . .
Affairs being thus situated in the east, in Thrace, and in Illyricum, Maximus, who deemed his appointments inferior to his merits, being only governor of the countries formerly under Gratian, projected how to depose the young Valentinian from the empire, if possible totally, but should he fail in the whole, to secure at least some part. . . . he immediately entered Italy without; resistance, and marched to Aquileia. . . . This so much surprised Valentinian, and rendered his situation so desperate, that his courtiers were alarmed lest he should be taken by Maximus and put to death. He, therefore, immediately embarked,and sailed to Thessalonica with his mother Justina, who, as I before mentioned, had been the wife of Magnentius, but after his decease was taken in marriage by the emperor Valentinian on account of her extraordinary beauty. She carried along with her her daughter Galla. After having passed many seas, and arriving at Thessalonica, they sent messengers to the emperor Theodosius, intreating him now at least to revenge the injuries committed against the family of Valentinian. He was astonished at hearing of this, and began to forget his extravagance, and to lay some restraint on his wild inclination for pleasure. . . . Theodosius then delivered to Valentinian as much of the empire as his father had possessed; in which he only acted as he was enjoined by his duty to those who so merited his kindness. . . .
intelligence was brought that the emperor Valentianian was no more, and that his death happened in this manner: Arbogastes, a Frank, who was appointed by the emperor Gratian lieutenant to Baudo, at the death of Baudo, confiding in his own ability, assumed the command without the emperor's permission. Being thought proper for the station by all the soldiers under him, both for his valour and experience in military affairs, and for his disregard of riches, he attained great influence. He thus became so elevated, that he would speak without reserve to the emperor, and would blame any measure which he thought improper. This gave such umbrage to Valentinian. . . .
Eugenius became the sincere friend of Arbogastes, who had no secret which he did not confide to him. Recollecting Eugenius, therefore, at this juncture, who by his extraordinary learning and the gravity of his conversation seemed well-adapted for the management of an empire, he communicated to him his designs. But finding him not pleased with the proposals, he attempted to prevail on him by all the arts he could use, and entreated him not to reject what fortune so favourably offered. Having at length persuaded him, he deemed it advisable in the first place to remove Valentinian, and thus to deliver the sole authority to Eugenius. With this view he proceeded to Vienna, a town in Gaul, where the emperor resided; and as he was amusing himself near the town in some sports with the soldiers, apprehending no danger, Arbogastes gave him a mortal wound. Blindado
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2.91 Constantine: Nicomedia.AE3, 328 - 329, Nicomedia mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Diademed bust of Constantine.
Reverse: PROVIDENTIAE AVGG / Camp gate with two turrets, star above.
Mint mark: SMNS
2.63 gm., 17.5 mm.
RIC #153; LRBC #1107; Sear #16260.Callimachus
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322. NumerianMarcus Aurelius Numerius Numerianus was the younger son of the later emperor Carus, born in about AD 253.
Numerian and his elder brother Carinus were raised to the rank of Caesar in AD 282, soon after their father became emperor.
In AD 282 Numerian accompanied his father to the Danube to defeat the Sarmatians and the Quadi.
Then in December AD 282 or January AD 283 Carus took Numerian with him on his expedition against the Persians to re-conquer Mesopotamia. Meanwhile Carinus stayed in Rome to rule the west.
When Carus died, Numerian succeeded him, thereby becoming joint emperor with his brother Carinus who had been granted the rank of Augustus shortly before Carus' death.
At first, immediately after his father's death, Numerian sought to continue the Persian campaign.
Apparently this was much favoured by Arrius Aper, the prefect of the praetorians and suspect in Carus' death. Conditions for war were favourable. The Persian side was still thought to be weak. But Numerian's initial efforts were not followed by success.
Numerian was to all effect appeared more of an intellectual than a man of war. He wrote poetry, some of which won him critical acclaim in his day.
This lack of ruthless military talent might well have been the reason why Carinus alone had been promoted Augustus, while Numerian remained Caeasar (junior emperor).
And so, after these initial setbacks, Numerian decided it unwise to continue the war.
He sought instead to return back to Rome and the army was not displeased to pull back into Syria were it spent the winter of AD 283.
Thereafter the army set out on its march back west through Asia Minor (Turkey).
Numerian fell ill near Nicomedia, suffering from an eye disease, which he might have caught while still on campaign in Mesopotamia with his father. The illness was explained with severe exhaustion (Today it is believed this was a serious eye infection. This left him partly blind and he had to be carried in a litter.
Somewhere at this time it is believed Arrius Aper, Numerian's own father in-law, had him killed. It;s widely believed that Aper hoped that it would be assumed that Numerian had simply succumbed to his illness and that he, the praetorian prefect, would succeed to the throne in his place.
But why he should have kept up the charade that Numerian was still alive remains a mystery. Perhaps he was waiting for he right moment.
For several days the death went unnoticed, the litter being carried along as usual. Soldiers inquired about their emperor's health and were reassured by Aper, that all was well and that Numerian simply was too ill to appear in public.
Eventually though the stench of the corpse became too much. Numerian's death was revealed and the soldiers realized that Rome had lost yet another emperor (AD 284).
Had it been Aper who hoped to fill the vacancy, then it was Diocletian (still known as Diocles at the time), commander of the imperial bodyguard, who emerged the victor. It was Diocletian who was made emperor by the troops after Numerian's death. It was he who sentenced Aper to death and even executed the sentence himself. Therefore it was he who, benefited most from the deaths of Carus and Numerian. And in his role as body guard he held a key position, enabling him to prevent or enable any action against the emperor. Hence it is unlikely that Diocletian did not have anything to do with the murder of Numerian.
Numerian Antoninianus / Numerian with globe and spear
Attribution: RIC 361
Date: 282-283 AD
Obverse: M AVR NVMERIANVS NOB C, radiate bust r.
Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENTVT, Numerian l. holding globe and spear
Size: 22.39 mm
Weight: 3.5 grams
Description: A nice ant of a scarcer emperor while serving as Caesarecoli
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4.13 Constantine II: Nicomedia.AE3, 325-26, Nicomedia mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C / Laureate bust of Constantine II facing left.
Reverse: PROVIDENTIAE CAESS / Camp gate with two turrets, star above.
Mint mark: MNΓ
3.60 gm., 19 mm.
RIC #123; LRBC #1104/05; Sear #17247.Callimachus
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405. CONSTANTIUS I, as CaesarBorn March 31st, Emperor Flavius Valerius Constantius may have come into the world ca. 250. His family was from Illyricum. In the army he served as a protector, tribunus, and a praeses Dalmatiarum. During the 270s or the 280s, he became the father of Constantine by Helena, his first spouse. By 288 he was the Praetorian Prefect of the western emperor Maximianus Herculius.
On 1 March 293 Diocletian appointed Galerius as his Caesar (junior emperor) in the east and Constantius as the Caesar of Maximianus Herculius. Caesar in the west. Both Caesars had the right of succession. In order to strengthen the dynastic relationship between himself and Herculius., Constantius put aside his wife Helena and married Theodora, the daughter, or perhaps stepdaughter, of Maximianus Herculius. The union was fruitful and of it there were six issue: Flavius Dalmatius, Julius Constantius, Hannibalianus, Constantia, Anastasia, and Eutropia. To strengthen his bond with Galerius and Diocletian in the east, Constantius allowed Galerius to keep his son Constantine as a hostage for his good behavior.
In the remainder of the time that he was a Caesar, Constantius spent much of his time engaged in military actions in the west. In the summer of 293 Constantius expelled the troops of the usurper Carausius from northern Gaul; after Constantius' attack on Bononia (Boulogne), Carausius was murdered. At the same time he dealt with the unrest of the Germans. In 296 he invaded Britain and put down the revolt of the usurper Allectus. Between 300 and 305 A.D. the Caesar campaigned successfully several times with various German tribes. It is worth noting in passing, that while his colleagues rigidly enforced the "Great Persecution in 303," Constantius limited his action to knocking down a few churches.
On 1 May 305 Diocletian, at Nicomedia, and Maximianus Herculius, at Mediolanum (Milan), divested themselves of the purple, probably because of the almost fatal illness that Diocletian contracted toward the end of 304. Diocletian forced Maximianus to abdicate. They appointed as their successors Constantius and Galerius, with Severus and Maximinus Daia as the new Caesars. The retired emperors then returned to private life. Constantius, as had his predecessor, ruled in the west, while Galerius and Daia ruled in the east. Almost as soon as he was appointed Augustus, he crossed to Britain to face incursions by the Picts where he died at York on 25 July 306 with his son at his side.
CONSTANTIUS I, as Caesar. 293-305 AD. Æ Follis (9.24 gm). Lugdunum mint. Struck 301-303 AD. CONSTANTIVS NO[B CAE]S, laureate and draped bust right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield at left / [GENIO POPV]LI ROMANI; altar-B/PLC. RIC VI 136a. VF, brown patina, some silvering. Ex CNGecoli
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504. Constantius II Campgate NicomediaNicomedia
Titular see of Bithynia Prima, founded by King Zipoetes. About 264 B.C. his son Nicodemes I dedicated the city anew, gave it his name, made it his capital, and adorned it with magnificent monuments. At his court the vanquished Hannibal sought refuge. When Bithynia became a Roman province Nicomedia remained its capital. Pliny the Younger mentions, in his letters to Trajan, several public edifices of the city — a senate house, an aqueduct which he had built, a forum, the temple of Cybele, etc. He also proposed to join the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmora by a canal which should follow the river Sangarius and empty the waters of the Lake of Sabandja into the Gulf of Astacus. A fire then almost destroyed the town. From Nicomedia perhaps, he wrote to Trajan his famous letter concerning the Christians. Under Marcus Aurelius, Dionysius, Bishop of Corinth, addressed a letter to his community warning them against the Marcionites (Eusebius, "Hist. Eccl.", IV, xxiii). Bishop Evander, who opposed the sect of the Ophites (P.L., LIII, 592), seems to have lived at the same time. Nicomedia was the favorite residence of Diocletian, who built there a palace, a hippodrome, a mint, and an arsenal. In 303 the edict of the tenth persecution caused rivers of blood to flow through the empire, especially in Nicomedia, where the Bishop Anthimus and a great many Christians were martyred. The city was then half Christian, the palace itself being filled with them. In 303, in the vast plain east of Nicomedia, Diocletian renounced the empire in favour of Galerius. In 311 Lucian, a priest of Antioch, delivered a discourse in the presence of the judge before he was executed. Other martyrs of the city are numbered by hundreds. Nicomedia suffered greatly during the fourth century from an invasion of the Goths and from an earthquake (24 Aug., 354), which overthrew all the public and private monuments; fire completed the catastrophe. The city was rebuilt, on a smaller scale. In the reign of Justinian new public buildings were erected, which were destroyed in the following century by the Shah Chosroes. Pope Constantine I visited the city in 711. In 1073 John Comnenus was there proclaimed emperor and shortly afterwards was compelled to abdicate. In 1328 it was captured by the Sultan Orkhan, who restored its ramparts, parts of which are still preserved.
RIC VII Nicomedia 158 R2
ecoli
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53-02 - HELIOGABALO (218 - 222 D.C.)AR Denario 17 mm 2.2 gr.
Anv: "ANTONINVS PIVS FEL AVG" - Busto laureado, con coraza y Paludamentum (capote militar) sobre ella, viendo a derecha.
Rev: "FELICTAS" – Galera navegando a toda vela sobre las olas de izquierda a derecha con 7 remeros, en popa Acrostilium (Adorno/decoración de las antiguas galeras romanas), piloto y estandarte militar (Vexillum), a proa un mástil. “TEMP” en el exergo.
Este reverso conmemora el triunfal regreso a Roma de Heliogábalo desde Nicomedia, donde había asumido como Cónsul ya derrotado Macrinus
Acuñada 218 - 219 D.C.
Ceca: Antioquia
Rareza: S
Referencias: RIC Vol.IV Parte II #188 Pag.42 - Sear RCTV Vol.II #7510 Pag.603 – BMCRE Vol.5 #277 - Cohen Vol.IV #27 Pag.326 - RSC Vol. III #27a Pag.111 - DVM #26 Pag.207 - Thirion LME #348
mdelvalle
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53-10 - HELIOGABALO (218 - 222 D.C.)AR Denario 17 mm 2.2 gr.
Anv: "ANTONINVS PIVS FEL AVG" - Busto laureado, con coraza y Paludamentum (capote militar) sobre ella, viendo a derecha.
Rev: "FELICTAS" – Galera navegando a toda vela sobre las olas de izquierda a derecha con 7 remeros, en popa Acrostilium (Adorno/decoración de las antiguas galeras romanas), piloto y estandarte militar (Vexillum), a proa un mástil. “TEMP” en el exergo.
Este reverso conmemora el triunfal regreso a Roma de Heliogábalo desde Nicomedia, donde había asumido como Cónsul ya derrotado Macrinus
Acuñada 218 - 219 D.C.
Ceca: Antioquia
Rareza: S
Referencias: RIC Vol.IV Parte II #188 Pag.42 - Sear RCTV Vol.II #7510 Pag.603 – BMCRE Vol.5 #277 - Cohen Vol.IV #27 Pag.326 - RSC Vol. III #27a Pag.111 - DVM #26 Pag.207 - Thirion LME #348
mdelvalle
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54 Galerius as Augustus: Nicomedia follis.Follis, 308 - 310 AD, Nicomedia mint.
Obverse: IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMIANVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Galerius.
Reverse: GENIO AVGVSTI CMH / Genius standing, pouring from patera and holding cornucopiae.
Mint mark: SMND
6.61 gm., 24.5 mm.
RIC #54a; PBCC #964; Sear #14508.
The meaning of the CMH ligature in the reverse inscription is a mystery. It is found on coins from the mints of Nicomedia and Cyzicus. It is generally thought to refer to the value of the coin. One possible suggestion is that it means 100 (C) sestertii struck at a new weight of 48 to the pound (Greek M = 40; Greek H = 8).Callimachus
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66020 Constantine/CampgateConstantine I/Campgate
Obv: CONSTAN_TINVS AVG
Pearl-diademed head right
Rev: PROVIDEN_TIAE AVGG
Campgate with six rows, two turrets, no doors, star above, 5 Rows
SMNS in exergue
Mint:Nicomedia 19.7mm 2.89g
AE3, 328-329, Nicomedia, Officina 6
RIC VII, 153
Ex Frascatius
Blayne W
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A116-30 -Acuñacion Civica Anonima Semi-Autonoma (311 - 312 D.C.)AE15 ¼ de Follis o Nummus 19 x 15 mm 1.2 gr.
Moneda tradicionalmente atribuida a Julian II hasta que J.Van Heesch en su artículo “The last Civic Coinages and the Religious Police of Maximinus Daza”, publicado en el Numismatic Chronicle vol.153 Pags. 66 y subsiguientes (1993), realiza un detallado estudio de este tipo de acuñación cívica anónima del cuarto siglo, donde demuestra que estas monedas se acuñaron bajos los auspicios de Maximino II Daya conmemorando “La Gran Persecución” de los Cristianos y por consiguiente la Victoria Pagana, al honrar con ellas a los antiguos dioses grecorromanos Júpiter, Apolo, Tyche, y Serapis. Recordemos que en dicha persecución (desde finales del 311 a finales del 312 D.C.) se cerraron Iglesias, encarcelando y/o desterrando a los cristianos. Esta campaña fue particularmente fuerte en Nicomedia, Antioquia y Alejandría, los tres centros principales del Imperio de Oriente. Estas persecuciones menguaron al año siguiente posiblemente como resultado de la preocupación de Maximino II al provocar abiertamente a los Emperadores Asociados de Occidente Constantino I y Licinio I.
Anv: "IOVI CONS - ERVATORI" – Júpiter semidesnudo, sentado en un trono a izquierda, portando globo en la mano de su brazo derecho extendido y largo cetro vertical en la izquierda.
Rev: "VICTOR - IA AVGG" – Victoria avanzando a izquierda, portando guirnalda en la mano de su brazo derecho extendido y hoja de palma en la izquierda. "ANT" en exergo y "B" en campo derecho.
Acuñada 311 - 312 D.C.
Ceca: Antiochia (Off. 2da.)
Referencias: Cohen Vol.VIII #53 Pag.49 (Julián II) (10f) - Salgado MRBI Vol.III #7952 Pag.94 – Vaggi #2955 - J.Van Heesch “The last Civic Coinages and the Religious Police of Maximinus Daza (1993)” #2.mdelvalle
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An inscribed lead weight from Nicomedia, province of Bithynia (AD 200-201)This had to be the first entry in my gallery because I bought my first coin (entry #2) with the money I thought I had 'saved' by catching this one at a way lower price than I was expecting to pay (adrenaline highs play weird tricks on your mind). To me, this ugly piece of lead is worth more than a thousand of your finest silver coins. Sadly, I'm unlikely to be able to purchase any more of these, so I'll content myself with coins.
Description incoming, and a lenghty one shall it be. [Update: hold on, the courier went AWOL.][Update 2: never mind update 1, they eventually made contact – better late than never. ETA: 3 more days.]
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Anastasius IObv: Head of Anastasius facing right
Rev: Anastasius Monogram
Minted: Constantinople or Nicomedia, 491-518AD
Size: 8mm, 0.56g
Notes: Although a tiny and not so good example, this coin will always have a place in my collection, as it is my first coin and one I cleaned from a cull batch. This was cleaned while at sea on patrol for the Vancouver Olympics.ickster
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Antoninus Pius Serpent on GalleyAntoninus Pius, Nicomedia, 138 - 161 AD, Bithynia, 18mm, 3.61g
OBV: AYT KAICAP - ANTWN [INOC], Laureate head right.
REV: NEIKOMHDEIAC MHTPOPOLEWC, Coiled serpent right atop forepart of galley right.
Not in BMC___, von Aulock___, SNG Copenhagen__, RPC IV,
Righetti -, Leypold -, Kleinasiatische Münzen -, Lindgren -
An obverse die match sold in Lanz Auction 97, Lot 622
Extremely Rare
SRukke
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Arcadius (383-408) Æ Follis, Nicomedia, 401-403 (RIC 91)Obv: D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG; Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Arcadius facing slightly to right, holding spear in his right hand and shield decorated with cross over his left shoulder
Rev: CONCORDI-A AVGG; Constantinopolis seated facing, head turned to right, holding scepter in her right hand and Victory on globe in her left, placing her right foot on prow; SMNA in exergue
Dim: 18 mm, 2.26 g, 6 h
Quant.Geek
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Arcadius (RIC 26, Coin #585)RIC 26 (C), AE2, Nicomedia, 378 - 383 AD.
OBV: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG; Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, holding spear and shield, hand of God above holding wreath.
REV: GLORIA ROMANORVM (star SMN delta); Emperor holding spear and shield on ground, standing facing, head left, captive kneeling left.
SIZE: 22.5mm 5.28gMaynardGee
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Arcadius, salvs reipvblicae, Nicomedia, AE4antvwala
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Arcadius, VIRTVS EXERCITI, victory crowning, Nicomedia, 395-401 ADRIC X 62
2.2g / 18mm _6.34Antonivs Protti
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Arcadius- Virtus ExercitiArcadius, 19 January 383 - 1 May 408 A.D.
Obverse:
Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG
DN: Dominus Noster, our lord
ARCADIVS: Arcadius
PF: Pius Felix, Pious and happy
AVG: Augustus, emperor
Reverse:
VIRTVS EXERCITI, Victory of the army. Referring to the courage of the army
VIRTVS: Victory
EXERCITI: Army
Emperor standing left, head right, holding spear and shield, Victory right crowns him
Domination: Bronze AE 3, size 15 mm.
Mint: ANTΓ, Antioch,Γ Officina Gamma (Gamma, 3. rd), struck 395-401 A.D. RIC X 70
Comment:
This type was struck AD 395-401 for Arcadius and Honorius in Heraclea, Constantinopolis, Nicomedia, Cyzicus, Antiochia and Alexandria.
Peter Wissing
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Arcadius- VIRTVS EXERCITIArcadius, 19 January 383 - 1 May 408 A.D.
Obverse:
Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG
DN: Dominus Noster, our lord
ARCADIVS: Arcadius
PF: Pius Felix, Pious and happy
AVG: Augustus, emperor
Reverse:
VIRTVS EXERCITI, Victory of the army. Referring to the courage of the army
VIRTVS: Victory
EXERCITI: Army
Emperor standing left, head right, holding spear and shield, Victory left crowns him
Domination: Bronze AE 3, size 17mm.
Mint: SMNA, Nicomedia, Officina A (Alpha, 1 st.), struck 395-401 A.D
Comment:
This type was struck AD 395-401 for Arcadius and Honorius in Heraclea, Constantinopolis, Nicomedia, Cyzicus, Antiochia and Alexandria. With the mintmark I have problems. It could be Heraclea or Nikomedia. If it is Heraclea then it would be RIC X, 58. But that type has the dot on the right(!) field, what one can see on the pic pl.4 too! For Nicomedia I found the following footnote: SMNA, dot on right field (L.2440, Sardis 1981, 183 no.829) also cited; perhaps Heraclea misread, confirmation required.
Important for my coin is only the dot in the left rev. field. The other dots belong to the shield and the drapery of Victoria I think. So your type belongs to the series of AD 395-401, but with the dot in the left field it is not listed in RIC!
The ex. On my coin looks like SMNA . But the type of Nicomedia mentioned in the footnote of RIC has the dot in the right field too and RIC supposed that it is a misread SMHA. All other types listed for Nicomedia have no dots at all. So there are some mysteries around my coin!
Peter Wissing
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B 002 Justin I. (518-527 A.D.), SB 0092, N/Є//--, AE-Pentanummia, Nicomedia, #1B 002 Justin I. (518-527 A.D.), SB 0092, N/Є//--, AE-Pentanummia, Nicomedia, #1
avers: D N IVSTI NVS P AVG (Incomplete), Pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
reverse: Large Chrisogram, N left Є right.
exergue: N/Є//--, diameter:12,5-13,5mm, weight: 1,81g, axis: 6h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: A.D., ref: SB 0092, p-49,
Q-001quadrans
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B 002 Justin I. (518-527 A.D.), SB 0093, N/E//••, AE-Pentanummia, Nicomedia, B 002 Justin I. (518-527 A.D.), SB 0093, N/E//••, AE-Pentanummia, Nicomedia,
avers: D N IVSTI NVS P AVG (Incomplete), Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
reverse: Large Chrisogram, N left E right.
exergue: N/E//••, diameter: 13mm, weight: 2,01g, axis: 6h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: A.D., ref: SB 0093, p-49,
Q-001quadrans
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B 007 Tiberius II. Constantine (578-582 A.D.), SB 0441, -/NIKOB, AE-Follis (40 Nummia), Nicomedia, Year UI,B 007 Tiberius II. Constantine (578-582 A.D.), SB 0441, -/NIKOB, AE-Follis (40 Nummia), Nicomedia, Year UI,
avers:- Dn TIb CONS TANT P P AVG, Facing bust of Tiberius, holding mappa and eagle tipped scepter, wearing consular robes.
revers:- Large M Exe: NIKO-B - Cross above, regnal date to right (6-th year, 579/80 A.D.) and ANNO to left. (Nicomedia).
exe: A/N/N/O/VI//NIKOB, diameter: 36mm, weight: 17,06g, axis-h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 579-80 A.D., ref: SB-441,
Q-001quadrans
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B 008 Maurice Tiberius (582-602 A.D.), SB 0512, B/NIKO, AE-Follis (40 Nummia), Nicodemia, Year UII,B 008 Maurice Tiberius (582-602 A.D.), SB 0512, B/NIKO, AE-Follis (40 Nummia), Nicodemia, Year UII,
avers:- D N MAVRIC TIbER P P A, helmeted and cuirassed or crowned and cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield ( TIBER P P )
revers:- "M" ANNO/UII/B, Large M, ANNO to left, cross above, regnal year VI to right, officina letter B below; mintmark NIKO, Nicomedia
exe: ANNO/UII//NIKO, diameter: 30-31mm, weight:11,34g, axis: h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 587 A.D., ref: SB-0512,
Q-001quadrans
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B 010 Phocas (602-610 A.D.), SB 0657, -/NIKOB, AE-Follis (40 Nummia), Nicomedia, Year I, B 010 Phocas (602-610 A.D.), SB 0657, -/NIKOB, AE-Follis (40 Nummia), Nicomedia, Year I,
avers:- Om FO(CA INPER AV or similar) but instead of this have confused overstrucked text, Phocas on left, holding cross on globe and Leontia, nimbate, on right, holding sceptre topped by cross, standing, cross between their heads .
revers:- "m" ANNO/I, Large m, ANNO to left, cross above, regnal year (I) to right; (no letter below), mintmark NIKOB,
exergo: ANNO/I//NIKOB, diameter: 29,5mm, weight:12,84g, axis:6h,
mint:Nicomedia, date: 602? A.D., ref: Sear 0657, p-147; DOC 53b; MIBE 68
Q-001quadrans
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Bithynia, Nicomedia, 049 Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), AE-26, BMC-41 Temple,Bithynia, Nicomedia, 049 Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), AE-26, BMC-41 Temple,
avers:- AVK-L-CEΠT-CEVHPOC, Laureate head right.
revers:- NIKOMH-ΔEΩN-ΔIC-NEΩKO-PΩN, Ο Ctastyle temple with Countermark.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 26-27mm, weight:11,37g, axis:1h,
mint: Bithynia, Nicomedia, date: ?? , ref: BMC-41,
Q-001quadrans
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Bithynia, Nicomedia, 062 Severus Alexander (222-235 A.D.), AE-22, NI-KO/MH−ΔЄ/Ω−N/ΔIC NЄΩ/K, Octastyle temple,Bithynia, Nicomedia, 062 Severus Alexander (222-235 A.D.), AE-22, NI-KO/MH−ΔЄ/Ω−N/ΔIC NЄΩ/K, Octastyle temple,
avers:- M-AYP-ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟC-K, Laureate head right.
revers:- ΝΙ−ΚΟ / ΜΗ−ΔЄ / Ω−Ν / ΔΙC ΝЄΩ / Κ, octastyle temple set on two-tiered base, pellet in pediment.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 22mm, weight: 9,07g, axis: 5h,
mint: Bithynia, Nicomedia, date: 222-235 A.D., ref: ,
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Bithynia, Nicomedia, 064 Julia Mamaea ( ??-235 A.D.), AE-19, NIKOMHΔЄΩN-ΔIC-NЄΩK, Astakos ?, Not listed ???,Bithynia, Nicomedia, 064 Julia Mamaea ( ??-235 A.D.), AE-19, NIKOMHΔЄΩN-ΔIC-NЄΩK, Astakos ?,
avers:- IOVΛIA-MAMAIA-AVG,
revers:- NIKOMHΔЄΩN-ΔIC-NЄΩK, Astakos ?,
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 19mm, weight: 3,47g, axis: 7h,
mint: Bithynia, Nicomedia, date: ??? A.D., ref: Not listed ???,
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Brockage, Incuse, Late Roman AE-3-Follis, Brockage, Incuse, Revers brockage! #1Brockage, Incuse, Late Roman AE-3-Follis, Brockage, Incuse, Revers brockage! #1
avers: Brockage, Incuse,
reverse: GLOR IA EXERC ITVS, Two soldiers standing either side of two standards.
exergue: -/-//SMN?, diameter: 19,0 mm, weight: 2,11g, axis: h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: ,
ref: ,
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Byzantine Empire - Heraclius - 615 - 616AE Follis, Struck: A.D. 615 - 616, Nicomedia, 28mm, 9.46g, ~200°, Ref: SB 834
Obv: dd NN hERACLIVS ET hERA CON. Heraclius left, Heraclius Constantine right, cross between, wearing crowns and chlamys and holding cross on globe.
Rev: Large M, ANNO to left, cross or chi-rho above, regnal year to right, officina letter below, mintmark NIK or NIKO.Marti Vltori
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Byzantine Empire: Heraclius (610-641) Æ Follis, Nicomedia, RY 4 (Sear 834; DOC 158) Obv: ddNNhЄRACLI ЧSЄT hЄRACONSTPAV; Heraclius, on left, and Heraclius Constantine, on right, standing facing, each holding globus cruciger; cross above
Rev: Large M; cross above, A/N/N/O II/II across field; B below; CON in exergue
Overstruck on Theoupolis/Antioch Follis of Justin II, specifically Sear-379Quant.Geek
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Byzantine Empire: Justinian I (527-565) Æ Decanummium, Nicomedia, RY 32 (Sear 205; DOC 157; MIBE 118)Obv: DN IVSTINI-ANVS PP AVG; Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right
Rev: Large I; A/N/N/O to left, cross above, X/X/X/II to right; NIK in exergue
Quant.Geek
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Byzantine Empire: Justinian I (527-565) Æ Follis, Nicomedia, RY 15 (Sear 201; DOC 135b; MIBE 113a)Obv: D N IVSTINI-ANVS P P AVG; Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield; cross to right
Rev: Large M, above, cross; to left A/N/N/O; to right X/Ч;below A; NIKO in exergue
Dim: 41.19 mm, 22.92 g, 6 hQuant.Geek
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Byzantine Empire: Justinian I (527-565) Æ Follis, Nicomedia, RY 22 (Sear 201; DOC 135b; MIBE 113a)Obv: D N IVSTINI-ANVS P P AVG; Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield; cross to right
Rev: Large M, above, cross; to left A/N/N/O; to right X/X/II;below B; NIKO in exergue
Quant.Geek
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Byzantine Empire: Justinian I (527-565) Æ Follis, Nicomedia, RY 29 (Sear 201; DOC 135b; MIBE 113a)Obv: D N IVSTINI-ANVS P P AVG; Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield; cross to right
Rev: Large M, above, cross; to left A/N/N/O; to right X/X/Ч/II/II;below A; NIKO in exergueQuant.Geek
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Byzantine Empire: Justinian I (527-565) Æ Half Follis, Nicomedia, RY 16 (Sear 203; DOC 143; MIBE 116b)Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield; cross to right
Rev: Large K; staurogram above, date across field; NI in exergueQuant.Geek
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Byzantine Empire: Justinian I (527-565) Æ Half Follis, Nicomedia, RY 16 (Sear 203; DOC 236; MIBE 153)Obv: D N IVSTINI-ANVS P P AVI; Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield; cross to right
Rev: Large K; cross above, A/N/N/O and XЧ in field; CH in exergue
Dim: 30 mm, 10.28 g, 11 h
Quant.Geek
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Byzantine Empire: Justinian I (527-565) Æ Half Follis, Nicomedia, RY 32 (Sear-203; DOC-154; MIBE-116a)Obv: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG. Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and decorated shield; cross right in field.
Rev: Large K between ANNO - XXXII, cross above; NI below
Quant.Geek
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Byzantine, Focas, Follis, Nicomedia, Unpublished year II consular type with mappa and eagle-scepterBronze follis, Hahn 69a (only years 3 and 4 noted), DO 56-60 (lists only years 3 - 7), gVF, 11.48g, 32.0mm, 45o, Nicomedia mint, 603-604 A.D.; obverse d N FOCAS PERP AVG, bust facing wearing consular robes and crown with cross on circlet, mappa in right, eagle tipped scepter in left; reverse XXXX, ANNO above, II right, NIKOA in exergue
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Byzantine, Justin I. (518-527 A.D.), SB 0093, N/E//••, AE-Pentanummia, Nicomedia, B 002 Justin I. (518-527 A.D.), SB 0093, N/E//••, AE-Pentanummia, Nicomedia,
avers:- D N IVSTI NVS P AVG (Incomplete), Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
revers:- Large Chrisogram, N left E right.
exe: N/E//••, diameter: 13mm, weight: 2,01g, axis: 6h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: A.D., ref: SB 0093, p-49,
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CAMPGATE, Constantine I, NicomediaAttribution: RIC 153 (RIC VII)
Mint: Nicomedia, Officina 3, SMNΓ
Date: 328-329 AD
Obverse: CONSTAN-TINVS AVG
Pearl-diademed head right
Reverse: PROVIDEN-TIAE AVGG
Campgate with six rows, two turrets, no doors, star above, top and bottom rows empty blocks
SMNΓ in exergue
Size: 18mm x 19mm
Weight: 2.99 grams
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CAMPGATE, Constantine II, NicomediaAttribution: RIC 157 (RIC VII)
Mint: Nicomedia, SMNA
Date: 337-340 AD
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, plain diadem, draped, cuirassed bust right
Reverse: PROVIDEN-TIAE CAES pellet, SMNA in exergue, camp gate with 2 turrets & star
Size: 19.52mm
Weight: 3.1 grams
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Campgate: Costantino I, AE3, zecca di Nicomedia, II officina Constantine I AE3. Nicomedia mint, II officina (324-325 AD)
AE, 2,6 gr, 18 mm
D/ CONSTAN-TINVS AVG, laureate head right
R/ PROVIDEN-TIAE AVGG, campgate with two turrets & star above, no door, SMNB in ex
Ric VII 90b Nicomedia
Provenienza: collezione Berardengo, Roma Italia (8 marzo 2013, numero catalogo 188); ex collezione Nicola Tammaro (Napoli, Italia, fino al 2013)
paolo
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Campgate: Costanzo II, AE3, zecca di Nicomedia, I officinaConstantius II as Caesar AE3, Nicomedia mint
AE, 3,5 gr, 17,61 mm, R5
D/ FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C, laureate bust left, draped & cuirassed
R/ PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS dot, campgate with 7 layers, two turrets and star above, MNA in ex
RIC VII 128 Nicomedia
Nota: se il segno dell'officina in R/ fosse Delta (4° officina), avrebbe i caratteristici trattini di intersezione all'apice, che qui mancano. Quindi l'ultima lettera in ex è senz'altro A (1° officina)
Provenienza: collezione Berardengo (Roma, Italia, dal 12 marzo 2014, numero catalogo 206), ex David Connors collection (Mount Vernon, WA Usa, fino al 2014)paolo
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Campgate: Costanzo II, AE3, zecca di Nicomedia, IV officinaConstantius II, Nicomedia mint, IV officina (328-329 AD)
AE3, 3.052 gr, 19.8mm, 0°, aVF
D/ FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left
R/ PROVIDENTIAE CAES•, campgate with seven rows, two turrets, star above, MN∆ in ex
RIC VII Nicomedia 128, LRBC 1106
Provenienza: collezione Berardengo (Roma Italia dal 29 novembre 2014, numero catalogo 226), ex FAC (Morehead City NC, Usa, fino al novembre 2014), ex Butte College Foundation (Oroville, CA, Usa fino al 2013), ex Henry Clay Lindgren collection (San Francisco State University, CA , Usa)paolo
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Campgate: Crispus, AE3, zecca di Nicomedia, II officinaCrispus, AE3, Nicomedia mint (325-326 A.D), II officina
AE, 2.347 gr, 19.0 mm, 315°, aVF , S
D/ FL IVL CRISPVS NOB C, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left
R/ PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, campgate with two turrets, star above, MNB in ex
RIC VII Nicomedia 122
Provenienza: collezione Berardengo (Roma, Italia dal 20 settembre 2014, numero catalogo 222), ex FAC (Morehead City NC, Usa, fino al 2014)paolo
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CaracallaNicomedia,Bithynia-AE 23 of Marcus Aurelius (or Verus?). Youthful head of Caracalla in an oval cmk on reverse.Cassius
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CARACALLA AE23 RG 234; WADD RG S546,234(1-3), TycheOBVERSE: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind
REVERSE: NIKOMHDEΩN ΔIC NEΩKOPΩN, Tyche standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia
7.1g, 23mm
Struck at BITHYNIA, Nicomedia, 198-217 ADLegatus
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