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Image search results - "Titus,"
titus.jpg
010. Titus, 79-81AD. AR Denarius.AR Denarius. Rome mint 80AD.
Obv. Laureate head right IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM

Rev. Tripod surmounted by dolphin TRP IX IMP XV COS VII PP

RIC II 27. Cohen 321. SEAR 2518.(VF $192 - XF $512). EF

5 commentsLordBest
T1342LG.jpg
010. VESPASIANAR denarius (18mm, 3.51g). Rome mint. Struck under Titus, AD 80-81.
DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS. Laureate head right / Two capricorns support shield inscribed S C, globe below. RIC II-1 357 (Titus). RSC 497.


3 commentsecoli
coin287.JPG
011. Titus 79-81 ADTitus. 79-81 AD.

Titus was the beneficiary of considerable intelligence and talent, endowments that were carefully cultivated at every step of his career, from his early education to his role under his father's principate. Cassius Dio suggested that Titus' reputation was enhanced by his early death. [[17]] It is true that the ancient sources tend to heroicize Titus, yet based upon the evidence, his reign must be considered a positive one. He capably continued the work of his father in establishing the Flavian dynasty and he maintained a high degree of economic and administrative competence in Italy and beyond. In so doing, he solidified the role of the emperor as paternalistic autocrat, a model that would serve Trajan and his successors well.

AR Denarius (3.44 gm). Laureate head right/Radiate figure on rostral column. RIC II 16a; BMCRE 29; RSC 289. Fine. Scarce and interesting reverse type. Ex-CNG
ecoli
Julia_Titi.jpg
012d. Julia TitiDaughter of Titus and niece of Domitian. After death of Titus, she lived with Domitian as his mistress and died during pregnancy.lawrence c
titi~0.jpg
012d2. Julia Titi & TitusKoinon of Crete. AE. 19.96 mm, 5.03 g. Obverse: ΑΥΤ[ ]ΚΑΙΣΑΡΙ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΩ; laureate head of Titus, r. Reverse: ΙΟΥΛΙΑ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΗ; draped bust of Julia, r. RPC Volume: II №: 25. Agora Auction 64 Lot 131. Posted on Wildwinds.
lawrence c
Personajes_Imperiales_2.jpg
02 - Personalities of the EmpireCalígula, Claudius, Britannicus , Agrippina jr., Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Domitila, Titus, Domitia and Julia Titi1 commentsmdelvalle
Troas,_Ilion,_020_Vespasian,_AE-,_Vespasian,_Titus,_Domitian_,_Athena,_RPC_II_893,_Bellinger_T197,_69-79_AD,_Q-001,_0h,_19,5-21mm,_8,25g-s.jpg
020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Troas, Ilion, Asia (conventus of Adramyteum), RPC II 0893, AE-21, Confronted, laureate and draped busts of Titus right and Domitian left #1020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Troas, Ilion, Asia (conventus of Adramyteum), RPC II 0893, AE-21, Confronted, laureate and draped busts of Titus right and Domitian left #1
avers: (AYTOK K CEBAC) OYECPACIANOC, Laureate head of Vespasian right
reverse: TITω KAICAP I ΔOMITIANΩ KA IΛI, Confronted, laureate and draped busts of Titus right and Domitian left. Between them, cult image of Athena, standing on a low base, turned half left, brandishing spear and resting a hand on the shield.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 19,5-21,0mm, weight: 8,25g, axis: 0h,
mint: City: Ilium, Region: Troas, Province: Asia (conventus of Adramyteum),
date: 69-79 A.D.,
ref: RPC II 0893, Bellinger T127, BMC 46, SNG Cop 392,
Q-001
2 commentsquadrans
RICa_0974,_RIC_II(1962)_--(Vesp_),_022_Titus,_AR-Den_T_CAESAR_VESPASIANVS,CERES_AVGVST,_Rome,_78-9,_AD,_Q-001_6h,_17,5-18,8mm,_3,31g-s.jpg
022a Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0974 (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) 0219 (Vespasian), AR-Denarius, Roma, CERES AVGVST, Ceres, draped to feet, standing left, #1022a Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0974 (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) 0219 (Vespasian), AR-Denarius, Roma, CERES AVGVST, Ceres, draped to feet, standing left, #1
avers: T CAESAR VESPASIANVS, Laureate head right.
reverse: CERES AVGVST, Ceres, draped to feet, standing left, holding poppy and two corn-ears in the extended right hand and long vertical scepter in left.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,5-18,8mm, weight: 3,31g, axes: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 78-79 A.D., ref: RIC² 0974(Vespasian), RIC II(1962) 0219 (Vespasian) p-36, BMC 321, RSC 31, BNC 282,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
022a_Titus2C_Rome2C_RIC_2_10372C_RIC_II28196229_-2C_AE-As2C_T_CAESAR_VESPASIANVS_TR_P_COS_VI2C_VICTORIA_AVGVST2C_S-C2C_77-78_AD2C_R2C_Q-0012C_6h2C_26-282C2mm2C_122C01g-s.jpg
022a Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 1037 (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) Not in (Vespasian), AE-As, Roma, VICTORIA AVGVST, S/C//--, Victory standing right on prow, Rare!, #1022a Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 1037 (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) Not in (Vespasian), AE-As, Roma, VICTORIA AVGVST, S/C//--, Victory standing right on prow, Rare!, #1
avers: (T CAES)AR VESPASIANVS TR P COS VI, Head of Titus, laureate, left.
reverse: VICTORIA AVGVST, S-C, Victory standing right on prow, holding wreath and palm.
exergue: S/C//--, diameter: 26,0-28,2mm, weight: 12,01g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 77-78 A.D.,
ref: RIC² 1037 (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) Not in (Vespasian), R!,
Q-001
2 commentsquadrans
RICa_030,_RIC_II(1962)_011,_022_Titus,_AR-Den_IMP_TITVS_CAES_VESPASIAN_AVG_P_M,_TR_P_VIIII_IMP_XIIII_COS_VII_P_P,_Rome_79_AD,_Q-001,_6h,_17,5-19,5mm,_3,46g-s.jpg
022b Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0030, RIC II(1962) 0011, AR-Denarius, Rome, TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P, Male captive kneeling right, #1022b Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0030, RIC II(1962) 0011, AR-Denarius, Rome, TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P, Male captive kneeling right, #1
avers: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, Laureate head right.
reverse: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P, Male captive kneeling right at the base of the trophy.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,5-19,5mm, weight: 3,46g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 79 A.D., ref: RIC² 0030, RIC II(1962) 0011, BMC 15, RSC 274, BNC 12,
Q-001
6 commentsquadrans
Vespasian_AE-Sest_IMP-T-CAES-VESP-AVG-P-M-TR-P-P-P-COS-VIII_PROVIDENT-AVGVST_S-C_RIC-II-_C--AD_Q-001_6h_32-33mm_23,95g-s.jpg
022b Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0162, RIC II(1962) 0098, AE-Sestertius, Roma, PROVIDENT AVGVST, -/-//SC, Vespasian and Titus, Scarce!, #1022b Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0162, RIC II(1962) 0098, AE-Sestertius, Roma, PROVIDENT AVGVST, -/-//SC, Vespasian, and Titus, Scarce!, #1
avers: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII, Laureate head left.
revers: PROVIDENT AVGVST, Vespasian standing right, presenting a globe to Titus, who stands left, SC in exergue.
exergue: -/-//SC, diameter: 32,0-33,0 mm, weight: 23,95 g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: A.D., ref: RIC² 0162, RIC II(1962) 0098 p-128, C 179, BMC 180,
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans
23.jpg
023 Julia Titi. AR Denarius 3.2gmobv: JVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVST IF drp. bust r.
rev: VENVS AVGVST Venus std. r. leaning on cippus,
holding helment and spear
"doughter of Titus, mistress of Domitian"
3 commentshill132
12_caes_portraits_coll_res_lt.jpg
12 CAESARS PORTRAITSObverse images from my collection.
R 1: Julius, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula
R 2: Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho
R 3: Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, Domitian
2 commentslaney
VespDenSalus.jpg
1aw Vespasian69-79

Denarius
Laureate head, right, IMP CAES VESP AVG CEN
Salus seated left with patera, SALVS AVG

RIC 513 (C2)

Suetonius wrote: The Flavians seized power, and the Empire, long troubled and adrift, afflicted by the usurpations and deaths of three emperors, at last achieved stability. True they were an obscure family, with no great names to boast of, yet one our country has no need to be ashamed of. . . . Vespasian was born in the Sabine country, in the little village of Falacrinae just beyond Reate (Rieti), on the 17th of November 9 AD in the consulship of Quintus Sulpicius Camerinus and Gaius Poppaeus Sabinus, five years before the death of Augustus. He was raised by his paternal grandmother Tertulla on her estate at Cosa. . . .

Under Claudius, he was sent to Germany (in 41 AD) to command a legion, thanks to the influence of Narcissus. From there he was posted to Britain (in 43 AD), where partly under the leadership of Aulus Plautius and partly that of Claudius himself, he fought thirty times, subjugating two powerful tribes, more than twenty strongholds, and the offshore island of Vectis (the Isle of Wight). This earned him triumphal regalia, and a little later two priesthoods and the consulship (in 51 AD) which he held for the last two months of the year. . . . He won, by lot, the governorship of Africa (in 63 AD), ruling it soundly and with considerable dignity. . . .

An ancient and well-established belief became widespread in the East that the ruler of the world at this time would arise from Judaea. This prophecy as events proved referred to the future Emperor of Rome, but was taken by the Jews to apply to them. They rebelled, killed their governor, and routed the consular ruler of Syria also, when he arrived to restore order, capturing an Eagle. To crush the rebels needed a considerable force under an enterprising leader, who would nevertheless not abuse power. Vespasian was chosen, as a man of proven vigour, from whom little need be feared, since his name and origins were quite obscure. Two legions with eight divisions of cavalry and ten cohorts of auxiliaries were added to the army in Judaea, and Vespasian took his elder son, Titus, along as one of his lieutenants. . . .

Yet Vespasian made no move, though his follower were ready and eager, until he was roused to action by the fortuitous support of a group of soldiers unknown to him, and based elsewhere. Two thousand men, of the three legions in Moesia reinforcing Otho’s forces, despite hearing on the march that he had been defeated and had committed suicide, had continued on to Aquileia, and there taken advantage of the temporary chaos to plunder at will. Fearing that if they returned they would be held to account and punished, they decided to choose and appoint an emperor of their own, on the basis that they were every bit as worthy of doing so as the Spanish legions who had appointed Galba, or the Praetorian Guard which had elected Otho, or the German army which had chosen Vitellius. They went through the list of serving consular governors, rejecting them for one reason or another, until in the end they unanimously adopted Vespasian, who was recommended strongly by some members of the Third Legion, which had been transferred to Moesia from Syria immediately prior to Nero’s death. . . .

Vespasian, an unheralded and newly-forged emperor, as yet lacked even a modicum of prestige and divine majesty, but this too he acquired. . . . Returning to Rome (in 70 AD) attended by such auspices, having won great renown, and after a triumph awarded for the Jewish War, he added eight consulships (AD 70-72, 74-77, 79) to his former one, and assumed the censorship. He first considered it essential to strengthen the State, which was unstable and well nigh fatally weakened, and then to enhance its role further during his reign. . . .
2 commentsBlindado
TitusProv.jpg
1ax Titus79-81

AE, Ankyra, Galatia
Laureate head, right AY KAICAP TITOC CEBASTO. . .
Man standing, left, SEBASTHNWN TEKTOSAGWN

RPC 1620

By Suetonius' account: Titus, surnamed Vespasianus like his father, possessed such an aptitude, by nature, nurture, or good fortune, for winning affection that he was loved and adored by all the world as Emperor. . . . He was born on the 30th of December AD41, the very year of Caligula’s assassination, in a little dingy room of a humble dwelling, near the Septizonium. . . .

He was handsome, graceful, and dignified, and of exceptional strength, though of no great height and rather full-bellied. He had an extraordinary memory, and an aptitude for virtually all the arts of war and peace, being a fine horseman, skilled in the use of weapons, yet penning impromptu verses in Greek and Latin with equal readiness and facility. He had a grasp of music too, singing well and playing the harp pleasantly and with ability. . . .

As military tribune in Germany (c57-59AD) and Britain (c60-62), he won an excellent reputation for energy and integrity, as is shown by the large number of inscribed statues and busts of him found in both countries. . . . When his quaestorship ended, he commanded one of his father’s legions in Judaea, capturing the strongholds of Tarichaeae and Gamala (67AD). His horse was killed under him in battle, but he mounted that of a comrade who fell fighting at his side. . . . [Upon] Vespasian’s accession, his father left him to complete the conquest of Judaea, and in the final assault on Jerusalem (70AD) Titus killed twelve of the defenders with as many arrows. . . .

From then on, he acted as his father’s colleague and even protector. He shared in his Judaean triumph (of AD 71), the censorship (AD 73), the exercise of tribunicial power, and in seven of his consulships (AD 70, 72, 74-77, 79). . . .

He died at the same villa as his father, Vespasian, on the 13th of September AD81, at the age of forty-one, after a reign of two years, two months, and twenty days. The people mourned his loss as if he were a member of their own family.
2 commentsBlindado
DomitianAsMoneta.jpg
1az Domitian81-96

As

Laureate head right, IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER P P
Moneta std, MONETA AVGVSTI S C

RIC 708

Suetonius wrote: Domitian was born on the 24th of October AD51, a month before his father Vespasian took up office as consul. . . . When Vespasian died, Domitian considered granting his soldiers twice the bounty offered by his brother Titus, and had no qualms in claiming that his father’s will had been tampered with, since he had been due a half-share of the Empire. From then on, he plotted continually against his brother, openly and in secret. When Titus was gripped by his fatal illness, Domitian ordered him to be left for dead, before he had actually breathed his last. . . .

He governed inconsistently, displaying a mixture of virtue and vice, but after some time his virtues too gave way to vice, since he seems to have been made avaricious through lack of funds, and cruel through fear, contrary to his natural disposition. . . . Domitian was diligent and conscientiousness in his administration of justice, often holding special sittings on the tribunal in the Forum. . . . [I]n his private life, and even for some time after becoming Emperor, he was considered free of greed and avarice; and indeed often showed proof not only of moderation, but of real generosity. . . . His moderation and clemency however were not destined to last, his predilection to cruelty appearing somewhat sooner than his avarice. . . . In this way he became an object of terror to all, and so hated that he was finally brought down by a conspiracy of his companions and favourite freedmen, which also involved his wife, Domitia Longina.

Domitian was tall, and of a ruddy complexion, with large rather weak eyes, and a modest expression. He was handsome and attractive when young, his whole body well-made except for his feet with their short toes. Later, he lost his hair, and developed a protruding belly, while his legs became thin and spindly after a long illness. . . . He found exercise intolerable, seldom walked when in Rome and while travelling and on campaign rarely rode but used a litter. Weaponry in general held no interest for him, though he was exceptionally keen on archery. There are plenty of witnesses to his killing a hundred wild creatures or more at a time on his Alban estate, bringing them down with successive arrows planted so deftly as to give the effect of horns. . . .

At the beginning of his reign, he had the libraries, which had been damaged by fire, restored at great expense, instituting a search for copies of lost works, and sending scribes to Alexandria to transcribe and edit them. Yet he himself neglected liberal studies, and never bothered to interest himself in history or poetry, or even to acquire a decent writing style.
Blindado
2012.JPG
2012 Highlights A few favorites from 2012

1: Lucania, Metapontum didrachm, c. 350 - 330 BC

2: Julius Caesar denarius, 44 BC

3: Publius Fonteius P.f. Capito denarius, c. 55 - 54 BC

4: Tiberius, denarius, 15 - 16 AD

5: Titus, Antioch denarius, 72 - 73 AD

6: Asia Minor, Carian Islands drachm, c. 88 - 84 BC

7: Tiberius, Olba, Cilicia Æ 24, c. 14 - 16 AD

8: Caius Fonteius denarius, 114 - 113 BC

9: Severus Alexander denarius, 231 AD

10: Maximinus I, Alexandria tetradrachm, 235 - 236 AD
4 commentsMatt Inglima
249-3_Maenia.jpg
249/3. Maenia - quadrans (133 BC)AE Quadrans (Rome, 132 BC)
O/ Head of Hercules right, wearing lion's skin; 3 pellets behind.
R/ P MAE ANT M F above prow right; 3 pellets before; ROMA below.
4.65g, 19mm
Crawford 249/3 (28 specimens in Paris)
- Ex-Thersites Collection (bought on 18 April 1986)
- Roma Numismatics, e-sale 33, lot 336.

* Publius Maenius M.f. Antiaticus:

Antiaticus belonged to the plebeian gens Maenia, but his relatives are not known. Other Maenii are recorded in the 2nd century, such as Titus, Gaius, and Quintus Maenius, Praetors respectively in 186, 180, and 170, or Publius Maenius, moneyer in 194-190. However, Antiaticus mentioned on his coins that he was the son of Marcus, who is not known, and none of the aforementioned Maenii shared his cognomen.

Antiaticus must have therefore belonged to another branch of the gens, which descended from Gaius Maenius, Consul in 338, Dictator in 320 and 314, who defeated the Volsci by taking their city of Antium in 338, thus putting an end to the Second Latin War and also the conquest of Latium. The cognomen Antiaticus comes from this victory, for which Gaius Maenius was also rewarded by a statue on the Forum, possibly at the top of a column (Cicero, Pro Sestio, 58; Livy, VIII, 13).

The life of Antiaticus is still very obscure, and it seems he did not hold other office. He is only known through his coins.

Eckel read ME at the end of this legend and conjectured that it might have been the first letters of an agnomen Megellus or Medulinus (V, p. 240-1), but it seems very unlikely that a moneyer could have received an agnomen so early in his career. Perhaps Eckhel could not see good examples of this type; in any case, the legend on this coin clearly reads as MF, for "Marcus filius".
Joss
aa_1_b~0.JPG
3.3 Vespasian IUDAEA denarius69 - 70 AD
Rome Mint
rev. IVDAEA, captive Jew seated below a trophy
commemorates the reconquest of Judaea by Vespasian and Titus, after the four year revolt against Rome.
3 commentsEcgþeow
TitusCommColosseum.jpg
711a, Titus, 24 June 79 - 13 September 81 A.D. TITUS AUGUSTUS AR silver denarius. Struck at Rome, 80 AD. IMP TITVS CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG PM, laureate head right. Reverse - TRP IX IMP XV COS VIII PP, elephant walking left. Fully legible legends, about Very Fine, nice golden toning. Commemmorates the completion and dedication of the Colosseum and the opening of games. SCARCE. RCV 2512, valued at $544 in EF. 17mm, 3.1g. Ex Incitatus.

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

Titus Flavius Vespasianus (A.D. 79-81)


John Donahue
College of William and Mary

Titus Flavius Vespasianus was born on December 30, 39 A.D. He was the oldest of the three children of the founder of the Flavian Dynasty, Vespasian. Beginning in the year 70 Titus was named Cæsar and coregent; he was highly educated and a brilliant poet and orator in both Latin and Greek. He won military fame during the Jewish Revolt of 69-70. In April, 70, he appeared before the walls of Jerusalem, and conquered and destroyed the city after a siege of five months. He wished to preserve the Temple, but in the struggle with the Jews who rushed out of it a soldier threw a brand into the building. The siege and taking of the city were accompanied by barbarous cruelties. The next year Titus celebrated his victory by a triumph; to increase the fame of the Flavian dynasty the inscription on the triumphal arch represented the overthrow of the helpless people as a heroic achievement. Titus succeeded his father as Emperor in 79.

Before becoming emperor, tradition records that Titus was feared as the next Nero, a perception that may have developed from his association with Berenice, his alleged heavy-handedness as praetorian prefect, and tales of sexual debauchery. Once in office, however, both emperor and his reign were portrayed in universally positive terms. The suddenness of this transformation raises immediate suspicions, yet it is difficult to know whether the historical tradition is suspect or if Titus was in fact adept at taking off one mask for another. What is clear, however, is that Titus sought to present the Flavians as the legitimate successors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Proof came through the issuing of a series of restoration coins of previous emperors, the most popular being Augustus and Claudius. In A.D. 80 Titus also set out to establish an imperial cult in honor of Vespasian. The temple, in which cult (the first that was not connected with the Julio-Claudians) was housed, was completed by Domitian and was known as the Temple of Vespasian and Domitian.
Legitimacy was also sought through various economic measures, which Titus enthusiastically funded. Vast amounts of capital poured into extensive building schemes in Rome, especially the Flavian Amphitheater, popularly known as the Colosseum. In celebration of additions made to the structure, Titus provided a grand 100-day festival, with sea fights staged on an artificial lake, infantry battles, wild beast hunts, and similar activities. He also constructed new imperial baths to the south-east of the Amphitheater and began work on the celebrated Arch of Titus, a memorial to his Jewish victories. Large sums were directed to Italy and the provinces as well, especially for road building. In response to the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79, Titus spent large sums to relieve distress in that area; likewise, the imperial purse contributed heavily to rebuilding Rome after a devastating fire destroyed large sections of the city in A.D. 80. As a result of these actions, Titus earned a reputation for generosity and geniality. For these reasons he gained the honourable title of "amor et deliciæ generis humani" (the darling and admiration of the human race). Even so, his financial acumen must not be under-estimated. He left the treasury with a surplus, as he had found it, and dealt promptly and efficiently with costly natural disasters. The Greek historian of the third-century A.D., Cassius Dio, perhaps offered the most accurate and succinct assessment of Titus' economic policy: "In money matters, Titus was frugal and made no unnecessary expenditure." In other areas, the brevity of Titus' reign limits our ability to detect major emphases or trends in policy. As far as can be discerned from the limited evidence, senior officials and amici were well chosen, and his legislative activity tended to focus on popular social measures, with the army as a particular beneficiary in the areas of land ownership, marriage, and testamentary freedom. In the provinces, Titus continued his father's policies by strengthening roads and forts in the East and along the Danube.

Titus died in September, A.D. 81 after only 26 months in office. Suetonius recorded that Titus died on his way to the Sabine country of his ancestors in the same villa as his father. A competing tradition persistently implicated his brother and successor, Domitian, as having had a hand in the emperor's demise, but the evidence is highly contradictory and any wrongdoing is difficult to prove. Domitian himself delivered the funeral eulogy and had Titus deified. He also built several monuments in honor of Titus and completed the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, changing the name of the structure to include his brother's and setting up his cult statue in the Temple itself.

Titus was the beneficiary of considerable intelligence and talent, endowments that were carefully cultivated at every step of his career, from his early education to his role under his father's principate. Cassius Dio suggested that Titus' reputation was enhanced by his early death. It is true that the ancient sources tend to heroicize Titus, yet based upon the evidence, his reign must be considered a positive one. He capably continued the work of his father in establishing the Flavian Dynasty and he maintained a high degree of economic and administrative competence in Italy and beyond. In so doing, he solidified the role of the emperor as paternalistic autocrat, a model that would serve Trajan and his successors well. Titus was used as a model by later emperors, especially those known as the Five Good Emperors (Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius).

Copyright (C) 1997, John Donahue.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Catholic Encyclopedia, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14746b.htm

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
Titus_Colosseum_Commem_AR_denarius.jpg
711a, Titus, 24 June 79 - 13 September 81 A.D.Titus, 24 June 79 - 13 September 81 A.D. AR denarius, RCV 2512, aVF, struck at Rome, 80 A.D., 17.5mm, 3.4g. Obverse: IMP TITVS CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG PM, laureate head right; Reverse: TRP IX IMP XV COS VIII PP, elephant walking left. Fully legible legends; nice golden toning. This coin was struck in order to commemorate the completion and dedication of the Flavian Amphitheatre (the Colosseum) and its opening games. Very scarce. Ex Incitatus; photo courtesy Incitatus.

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

Titus Flavius Vespasianus (A.D. 79-81)


John Donahue
College of William and Mary

Titus Flavius Vespasianus was born on December 30, 39 A.D. He was the oldest of the three children of the founder of the Flavian Dynasty, Vespasian. Beginning in the year 70 Titus was named Cæsar and coregent; he was highly educated and a brilliant poet and orator in both Latin and Greek. He won military fame during the Jewish Revolt of 69-70. In April, 70, he appeared before the walls of Jerusalem, and conquered and destroyed the city after a siege of five months. He wished to preserve the Temple, but in the struggle with the Jews who rushed out of it a soldier threw a brand into the building. The siege and taking of the city were accompanied by barbarous cruelties. The next year Titus celebrated his victory by a triumph; to increase the fame of the Flavian dynasty the inscription on the triumphal arch represented the overthrow of the helpless people as a heroic achievement. Titus succeeded his father as Emperor in 79.

Before becoming emperor, tradition records that Titus was feared as the next Nero, a perception that may have developed from his association with Berenice, his alleged heavy-handedness as praetorian prefect, and tales of sexual debauchery. Once in office, however, both emperor and his reign were portrayed in universally positive terms. The suddenness of this transformation raises immediate suspicions, yet it is difficult to know whether the historical tradition is suspect or if Titus was in fact adept at taking off one mask for another. What is clear, however, is that Titus sought to present the Flavians as the legitimate successors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Proof came through the issuing of a series of restoration coins of previous emperors, the most popular being Augustus and Claudius. In A.D. 80 Titus also set out to establish an imperial cult in honor of Vespasian. The temple, in which cult (the first that was not connected with the Julio-Claudians) was housed, was completed by Domitian and was known as the Temple of Vespasian and Domitian.
Legitimacy was also sought through various economic measures, which Titus enthusiastically funded. Vast amounts of capital poured into extensive building schemes in Rome, especially the Flavian Amphitheater, popularly known as the Colosseum. In celebration of additions made to the structure, Titus provided a grand 100-day festival, with sea fights staged on an artificial lake, infantry battles, wild beast hunts, and similar activities. He also constructed new imperial baths to the south-east of the Amphitheater and began work on the celebrated Arch of Titus, a memorial to his Jewish victories. Large sums were directed to Italy and the provinces as well, especially for road building. In response to the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79, Titus spent large sums to relieve distress in that area; likewise, the imperial purse contributed heavily to rebuilding Rome after a devastating fire destroyed large sections of the city in A.D. 80. As a result of these actions, Titus earned a reputation for generosity and geniality. For these reasons he gained the honourable title of "amor et deliciæ generis humani" (the darling and admiration of the human race). Even so, his financial acumen must not be under-estimated. He left the treasury with a surplus, as he had found it, and dealt promptly and efficiently with costly natural disasters. The Greek historian of the third-century A.D., Cassius Dio, perhaps offered the most accurate and succinct assessment of Titus' economic policy: "In money matters, Titus was frugal and made no unnecessary expenditure." In other areas, the brevity of Titus' reign limits our ability to detect major emphases or trends in policy. As far as can be discerned from the limited evidence, senior officials and amici were well chosen, and his legislative activity tended to focus on popular social measures, with the army as a particular beneficiary in the areas of land ownership, marriage, and testamentary freedom. In the provinces, Titus continued his father's policies by strengthening roads and forts in the East and along the Danube.

Titus died in September, A.D. 81 after only 26 months in office. Suetonius recorded that Titus died on his way to the Sabine country of his ancestors in the same villa as his father. A competing tradition persistently implicated his brother and successor, Domitian, as having had a hand in the emperor's demise, but the evidence is highly contradictory and any wrongdoing is difficult to prove. Domitian himself delivered the funeral eulogy and had Titus deified. He also built several monuments in honor of Titus and completed the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, changing the name of the structure to include his brother's and setting up his cult statue in the Temple itself.

Titus was the beneficiary of considerable intelligence and talent, endowments that were carefully cultivated at every step of his career, from his early education to his role under his father's principate. Cassius Dio suggested that Titus' reputation was enhanced by his early death. It is true that the ancient sources tend to heroicize Titus, yet based upon the evidence, his reign must be considered a positive one. He capably continued the work of his father in establishing the Flavian Dynasty and he maintained a high degree of economic and administrative competence in Italy and beyond. In so doing, he solidified the role of the emperor as paternalistic autocrat, a model that would serve Trajan and his successors well. Titus was used as a model by later emperors, especially those known as the Five Good Emperors (Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius).

Copyright (C) 1997, John Donahue.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Catholic Encyclopedia, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14746b.htm

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
3 commentsCleisthenes
DomitianARDenariusHorseman.jpg
712a, Domitian, 13 September 81 - 18 September 96 A.D.Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. 77-78 AD; RIC 242, VF, 18mm, 3.18grams. Obverse: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIA[NVS], laureate head right ; Reverse: COS V below man with hand raised out behind him on horse prancing right. RSC 49a. Scarce. Ex Zuzim Judaea.

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

Titus Flavius Domitianus(A.D. 81-96)


John Donahue
College of William and Mary

Domitian was born in Rome on 24 October A.D. 51, the youngest son of Vespasian, Roman emperor (A.D. 69-79) and Domitilla I, a treasury clerk's daughter. Little is known about Domitian in the turbulent 18 months of the four (five?) emperors, but in the aftermath of the downfall of Vitellius in A.D. 69 he presented himself to the invading Flavian forces, was hailed as Caesar, and moved into the imperial residence.

As emperor, Domitian was to become one of Rome's foremost micromanagers, especially concerning the economy. Shortly after taking office, he raised the silver content of the denarius by about 12% (to the earlier level of Augustus), only to devaluate it in A.D. 85, when the imperial income must have proved insufficient to meet military and public expenses.

Domitian's reach extended well beyond the economy. Late in A.D. 85 he made himself censor perpetuus, censor for life, with a general supervision of conduct and morals. The move was without precedent and, although largely symbolic, it nevertheless revealed Domitian's obsessive interest in all aspects of Roman life. An ardent supporter of traditional Roman religion, he also closely identified himself with Minerva and Jupiter, publicly linking the latter divinity to his regime through the Ludi Capitolini, the Capitoline Games, begun in A.D.86. Held every four years in the early summer, the Games consisted of chariot races, athletics and gymnastics, and music, oratory and poetry.

Beyond Rome, Domitian taxed provincials rigorously and was not afraid to impose his will on officials of every rank. Consistent with his concern for the details of administration, he also made essential changes in the organization of several provinces and established the office of curator to investigate financial mismanagement in the cities. Other evidence points to a concern with civic improvements of all kinds, from road building in Asia Minor, Sardinia and near the Danube to building and defensive improvements in North Africa.

While the military abilities of Vespasian and Titus were genuine, those of Domitian were not. Partly as an attempt to remedy this deficiency, Domitian frequently became involved in his own military exploits outside of Rome. He claimed a triumph in A.D. 83 for subduing the Chatti in Gaul, but the conquest was illusory. Final victory did not really come until A.D. 89. In Britain, similar propaganda masked the withdrawal of Roman forces from the northern borders to positions farther south, a clear sign of Domitian's rejection of expansionist warfare in the province.

Domitian's autocratic tendencies meant that the real seat of power during his reign resided with his court. The features typically associated with later courts - a small band of favored courtiers, a keen interest in the bizarre and the unusual (e.g., wrestlers, jesters, and dwarves), and a highly mannered, if somewhat artificial atmosphere, characterized Domitian's palace too, whether at Rome or at his Alban villa, some 20 kilometers outside of the capital.

On 18 September, A.D. 96, Domitian was assassinated and was succeeded on the very same day by M. Cocceius Nerva, a senator and one of his amici. The sources are unanimous in stressing that this was a palace plot, yet it is difficult to determine the level of culpability among the various potential conspirators.
In many ways, Domitian is still a mystery - a lazy and licentious ruler by some accounts, an ambitious administrator and keeper of traditional Roman religion by others. As many of his economic, provincial, and military policies reveal, he was efficient and practical in much that he undertook, yet he also did nothing to hide the harsher despotic realities of his rule. This fact, combined with his solitary personality and frequent absences from Rome, guaranteed a harsh portrayal of his rule. The ultimate truths of his reign remain difficult to know.

Copyright (C) 1997, John Donahue.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Perhaps the reverse of this Domitian/Horseman specimen depicts Domitian as he rode a white horse behind his father, Vespasian, and his brother, Titus, during their joint triumph celebrating their victory over Judaea (see: Suetonius. The Twelve Caesars. Trans. Robert Graves. London: Penguin, 2003. 304).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
pjimage_(9)_(1).jpg
AugustusRestoration issue by Titus, AE27 As, Rome Mint, Struck 80-81 AD.
Obverse: DIVVS AVGVS-TVS PATER, Radiate head of Augustus left; above, a star.
Reverse: IMP T CAES AVG RESTITVIT, Eagle perched facing on globe, head right, wings spread, S-C in field.
References: RCV I 2584, RIC II 198/462, Cohen 551, Komnick 34.0
Size: 27mm, 9.98g
Justin L
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Commemorative As, eagle, RIC II 497Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D. Commemorative Issued by Titus, Copper as, RIC II 497, Rome mint, 9.804g, 27.5mm, 180o, obverse IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III, laureate head right; reverse S C, eagle standing facing on globe, head right, wings spread, S C at sides; ex. FORVM

2 commentsPodiceps
vespa_den~0.jpg
Denarius, Commemorative Issued by Titus, Two capricorns, RIC 63 TitusVespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D., Commemorative Issued by Titus. Silver denarius, RIC II Titus 63, RSC II 497, BMCRE II 129, F, bent, Rome mint, 2.763g, 17.9mm, 180o, posthumous, 80 - 81 A.D.; obverse DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, laureate head right; reverse S C, on shield supported by two Capricorns, globe below; deep divot on obverse gives the coin a cup shape. Ex FORVMPodiceps
piglets.jpg
Denarius; Sow & pigletsTitus, as Caesar, AR Denarius. 778 AD. T CAESAR VESPASIANVS, laureate head right / sow walking left with her piglets, IMP XIII in ex. RIC 220 (Vespasian), Sear RCV I 2443.Podiceps
divusvesp.jpg
Divus VespasianVESPASIAN, posthumous memorial AR silver denarius, Struck by TITUS, 79AD. DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, laureate head of Divus Vespasian right. Reverse - S C inscribed on shield supported by two capricorns, orb below. RCV 2569, scarce. Well centered on a full sized flan. 19mm, 3.2g.1 commentsfordicus
DiviVespQuadriga.jpg
Divus Vespasian / QuadrigaDivus Vespasian. Died AD 79. Denarius struck under Titus, 80-81.
O: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS. Laureate head of Divus Vespasian to right.
R: EX S C Empty quadriga advancing left, ornamented with a miniature quadriga flanked by Victories at the top and two standing figures on the side.
- BMC 119. BN 94. RIC 361 (all under Titus).
3 commentsNemonater
Vespasian_ric_60~0.jpg
Divus Vespasian(us)RIC II 361 (Titus), RSC 146.
Divus Vespasian, struck under Titus, denarius.
Rome mint, 80-81 AD.
Obv. DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, laureate head right.
Rev. EX S C in exergue, slow quadriga left, car ornamented with swag across front, two figures brandishing spears, Victories flanking quadriga above.
18 mm 3,23 g.

This coin, minted by Titus in honor of his deceased father, is a 10th anniversary commemorative of the triumph held in Rome after the reconquest of Judaea.

The quadriga on the reverse is a tensa, a chariot shaped like a temple in which the attributes of the divine Vespasian were borne to the Circus in the procession before games, an honor to the deceased Vespasian voted to him by the Senate, EX S C (source: information from Curtis L. Clay).

Good silver and nice details. Nothing better than a quadriga reverse!
3 commentsMarsman
vespasian_divvs_capricorns.jpg
Divus Vespasianus, Capricorns, DenariusDate: AD 80-81, under Titus, Rome
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS - laureate head right
Rev: SC inscribed on shield, supported by two capricorns, orb with crosshatching below
RIC 357, RSC 497, BMC 129, BM-129, Paris 101
3,08g, ∅ 18-19mm
2 commentsLaurentius
Domitian_as_Caesar,_Fouree.jpg
Domitian, as Caesar FoureeDomitian as Caesar under Titus, 79-81 A.D. Unofficial Mint. (2.77g, 19.2m, 5h). Obv: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VI, laureate head right. Rev: PRINCEPTS [IVVE]NTVTIS, alter, garlanded and lighted.

This Fouree is in good condition and didn’t see extensive circulation. This example shows slight bubbling in the silvering and only a slight peek of the copper core beneath at the top of the alter’s flame. The portrait is also slightly off for this period of Domitian as Caesar under Titus.
1 commentsLucas H
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Domitian, RIC 717, for Julia Titi, Sestertius of AD 92-94 (Carpentum)Æ Sestertius (23,63g, Ø 32mm, 6h). Rome, AD 92-94.
Obv.: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P around large S·C, .
Rev.: DIVAE IVLIAE AVG DIVI TITI F around, SPQR in ex, Carpentum right drawn by two mules right; the tilt rests on standing figures at each corner, three corners showing; draperies or guirlands on the side of the body of the carpentum; six spokes in wheel.
RIC Domitian 717; BMC 458; Cohen (Julia) 9 (15fr); Roman Historical Coins 93/40
Ex Boule (Paris), Mail Bid Auction 107, Oct. 2015.

Issued in honour of the consecration of Julia Titi, daughter of Titus, in AD 91.
Charles S
drusus_2.jpg
DRUSUSd. 23 AD
POSTUMOUR
RESTORATION UNDER TITUS, STRUCK 81 - 82 AD
AE 26.5 mm 8.65 g
O: [CAE}SAR TI AVG F DIVI []
BARE HEAD L
R: [CA]ESAR AVG REST[]
LEGEND AROUND LARGE SC
laney
EB0399_scaled.JPG
EB0399 Titus / GeniusTitus, AE As, 79-81 AD.
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII, laureate head left.
Rev: GENI P R S-C, Genius of the Roman People standing left with cornucopiae, sacrificing from patera over lighted altar.
References: RIC 226; Cohen 96.
Diameter: 27mm, Weight: 9.903 grams.
Note: Sold.
EB
EB0400_scaled.JPG
EB0400 Titus / PaxTitus, AE Sestertius,
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG PM TR P PP COS VIII, Laureate head left.
Rev: PAX AVGVST - S C, Pax standing left holding branch and cornucopiae.
References: RIC 155; Cohen 140; BMC 171-173.
Diameter: -, Weight: -
Note: on layaway.
EB
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EB0401 Titus, AE AsEB0401 Titus, as Caesar, AE As. circa 73 AD.
Obverse: T CAESAR IMP PON TR P COS II CENS, laureate head right
Reverse: S-C, Spes walking left holding flower and hem of dress
Diameter: 27mm, Weight: 9.562 grams
Note: Sold.
1 commentsEB
Titus_04.jpg
Egypt, Alexandria, AD 080/081, Titus, NilusTitus
Alexandria
Billon-Tetradrachm
Obv.: AVTOK TITOV KAIΣ OYEΣΠAΣIANOY ΣEBA, laureate head right
Rev.: [NIΛOΣ], bust of Nilus with lotus flower, LΓ=year 3 (80/81).
Billon, 13.36g, 21x23.7mm
Ref.: Geißen 324 var., Dattari 425
shanxi
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Germanicus AE AsGermanicus AE As
Restoration issue by Titus, ca AD 80
Ob: GERMANICVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N, bare head left
Rv: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST around large S-C
RIC 228, Sear5 #2598
Scotvs Capitis
RE_Germanicus_RIC_2-1_442_.JPG
Germanicus. As Restoration issue by Titus.Roman Empire. Germanicus. †19 AD. AE As (9.89 gm, 26.6mm, 7h) Restoration issue by Titus, Rome, 80 AD. Bare head left. ⟳GERMANICVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N. / ⟳IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST surrounding large S C. gVF. Pegasi Numismatics Auction X #407. BMCRE 293; RIC 2 (Titus) #228; RIC 2.1 (Titus) #442; SRCV I (Titus Restoration Coinage) #2598; Vagi 516. cf Cohen 12.Anaximander
1712_Hadrian2C_117-138__Military_Diploma_Bronze2C_48x53_mm2C_19_42_g2C_3_h2C_awarded_to_Malchio___.jpg
Hadrian Diploma fragment 120 ADMilitary Diploma
(Bronze, 48x53 mm, 19.42 g, 3 h),

Awarded to Malchio ..., with his wife Memmedabus and his son Titus. Early years of Hadrian, circa 119-120s AD. Unpublished

Frontside
CVM IIS QVAS [POSTEA DVXISSENT DVM TA]
XAT•SINGVLI SIN[GVLAS A D--- ]
C•VELIO•RVFO•L[... COS]
EX GR[EGALE]
MALCHIONI•MA[---F--- ]
ET MEMMEDABVT[--- FIL VXORI --- ]
ET TITO F EIVS•E[T --- F/FIL EIVS]
DESCRIPTVM ET R[ECOGNITVM EX TABVLA AEN]
QVAE FIXA EST•R[OMAE IN MVRO POST TEM]
PL VM•DIVI [AVG AD MINERVAM]

Backside:
[IMP CAESAR DIVI TRAIANI PART]HICI F DIVI NER
[VAE NEPOS TRAIANVS HADRI]ANVS AVG PONT
[MAX TRIBVNIC POTESTAT...]III COS III
[...] ALA GEMINA
[SEBASTENORVM ET SVNT IN M]AVRETANIA
[CAESAR SVB --- ]NDO P[RAEF]
[--- QVINIS ET VICENIS ---]

Unfortunately, the exact dating of this highly interesting military diploma is uncertain, as Hadrian's TR P is only recorded fragmentarily, and he only held three consulships in his career, the last of which was in 119. However, it is clear from the remaining text that the diploma was awarded to the soldier Malchio ..., who served in the ala Gemina Sebastenorum. This ala was stationed in Syria in the late 80s and early 90s, but inscriptions attest her presence in Mauretania Caesariensis, where she is last attested in 255-258 (CIL 8, 21000). With the emergence of our diploma, her redeployment from Syria to Africa can now be dated to no later than the reign of Hadrian.

Furthermore, the diploma also records the name of one of two Roman suffect consuls (the name of the second has broken off), namely C. Velius Rufus. This is a familiar name, for a certain C. Velius Salvi filius Rufus was a highly decorated officer whose career we know from an inscription on the base of a statue found in Heliopolis. Serving as a centurion in the Jewish War, C. Velius Rufus rose through the ranks quickly under the Flavians, becoming primus pilus of the Legio XII Fulminata in 82, commanding 9 vexillations in the Chattan War in 83, receiving several decorations for his campaigns across the Danube and in Dacia against Germans and Sarmatians and serving in two subsequent procuratorships in the early 90s. However, it seems unlikely that this C. Velius Rufus was still active in politics, or even alive, early in Hadrian's reign, and thus the suffect consul from our military diploma must be a descendant, likely his son.

As for the name of the soldier, it is worth noting that Malchio is a semitic name, but that the name of his son Titus is clearly Roman. It seems likely that Malchio named his son in honor of the emperor Titus, the conqueror of Jerusalem. Last but not least, the third name, Memmedabus, appears to be a variant of Emmedabous or `Immeh-de-`abû (-ha) (literally: 'mother of his father'), a name attested in Palmyra, Dura and Central Syria, both in Greek and in Aramaic. Although it is occasionally encountered as a male name, in the case of our diploma, Memmedabus was clearly Malchio's wife and Titus' mother. We can deduce from this that she was in all probability of Syrian origin, whereas Malchio himself may have also been Syrian, or perhaps Punic. Thus, the diploma is a beautiful testimony to the multiethnicity of the Roman army, which served as a melting pot for soldiers and their families from various cultural backgrounds, eventually merging them as citizens of Rome.
2 commentsokidoki
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Herakles, bearded head rightTitus, 24 Jun 79 - 13 Sep 81 A.D., Philadelphia, Decapolis, Syria
6540. Bronze AE 23, RPC 2106, BMC 4, Spijkerman 9 , Rosenberger 7, aVF, small flan, 11.31g, 21.7mm, 180o, Philadelphia mint, 80 - 81 A.D.; obverse AYTOKPATWP TITOC KAICAP, laureate head of Titus right, countermark bearded head of Herakles right; reverse FILADELFEWN L GMR (Philadelphia year 143), laureate head of Herakles right; $65.00
whitetd49
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Herakles, bearded head rightTitus, 24 Jun 79 - 13 Sep 81 A.D., Philadelphia, Decapolis, Syria
9664. Bronze AE 23, RPC 2106, BMC 4, Spijkerman 9 , Rosenberger 7, F, Philadelphia mint, 11.25g, 23.1mm, 0o, 80 - 81 A.D.; obverse AYTOKPATWP TITOC KAICAP, laureate head of Titus right, countermark bearded head of Herakles right; reverse FILADELFEWN L GMR (Philadelphia year 143), laureate head of Herakles right; nice red patina; $115.00
whitetd49
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Italy, Rome, Arch of TitusThe Arch of Titus, on the Via Sacra, Rome, just to the south-east of the Roman Forum, was completed by Domitian in 96 A.D. to commemorate Titus' victories, including the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. The Arch of Titus has provided the general model for many of the triumphal arches erected since the 16th century—perhaps most famously it is the inspiration for the 1806 Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, completed in 1836.1 commentsJ. B.
Italy- Rome- Coliseum constructed by Flavius and seen from outside~0.jpg
Italy- Rome- Coliseum constructed by Flavius and seen from outsideColosseum
The Colosseum or Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (lat. Amphitheatrum Flavium), is an amphitheatre in Rome, capable of seating 50,000 spectators, which was once used for gladiatorial combat. It was built by Emperor Vespasian and his son, Titus, between AD 72 and AD 90. It was built at the site of Nero's enormous palace, the Domus Aurea. The Colosseum's name is derived from a colossus (a 130-foot or 40-metre statue) of Nero which once stood nearby.

Construction
The construction of the Colosseum began under the Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed by his son, Titus, in the 80s AD. It was built at the site of Nero's enormous palace, the Domus Aurea, which had been built after the great fire of Rome in AD 64. Some historians are of the opinion that the construction of the Colosseum might have been financed by the looting of King Herod the Great's Temple in Jerusalem which occurred about AD 70. Dio Cassius said that 9,000 wild animals were killed in the one hundred days of celebration which inaugurated the amphitheatre opening. The arena floor was covered with sand to sop up the blood.

The Colosseum hosted large-scale spectacular games that included fights between animals (venationes), the killing of prisoners by animals and other executions (noxii), naval battles (naumachiae, via flooding the arena), and combats between gladiators (munera). It has been estimated that between 500,000 and 1,000,000 people died in the Colosseum games.

History of the name Colosseum
The Colosseum's name is derived from a colossus (a 130-foot or 40-metre statue) of Nero nearby. This statue was later remodeled by Nero's successors into the likeness of Sol, the sun god, by adding the appropriate solar crown. The link to Nero's colossus seems to have been forgotten over time, and the name was corrupted to Coliseum in the Middle Ages. Both names are frequently used in modern English, but "Flavian Amphitheatre" is generally unknown. In Italy, it is still known as il colosseo, but other Romance languages have gone for forms such as le colisée and el coliseo.

Description
The Colosseum measured 48 metres high, 188 metres long, and 156 metres wide. The wooden arena floor was 86 metres by 54 metres, and covered by sand. Its elliptical shape kept the players from retreating to a corner, and allowed the spectators to be closer to the action than a circle would allow.

The Colosseum was ingeniously designed. It has been said that most spectacle venues (stadiums, and similar) have been influenced by features of the Colosseum's structure, even well into modern times. Seating (cavea) was divided into different sections. The podium, the first level of seating, was for the Roman senators, and the emperor's private, cushioned, marble box was also located on this level. Above the podium was the maenianum primum, for the other Roman aristocrats who were not in the senate. The third level, the maenianum secundum, was divided into three sections. The lower part (the immum) was for wealthy citizens, while the upper part (the summum) was for poor citizens. A third, wooden section (the maenianum secundum in legneis) was a wooden structure at the very top of the building, added by Domitian. It was standing room only, and was for lower class women.

Underneath the arena was the hypogeum (literally, "underground"), a network of tunnels and cages where gladiators and animals were held before contests began. There were also numerous trap doors in the arena floor for the various animals hidden underneath. The arena floor no longer exists, and the hypogeum walls and corridors are clearly visible in the ruins of the building. The entire base of the Colosseum was equivalent to 6 acres (160,000 m²).

A most ingenious part of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered net-like structure made of ropes, with a hole in the center. This roof sloped down towards the center to catch the wind and provide a breeze for the audience. Sailors manipulated the ropes. The Colosseum also had vomitoria - passageways that open into a tier of seats from below or behind. The vomitoria of the Colosseum in Rome were designed so that the immense venue could fill in 15 minutes, and be evacuated in 5 minutes. Each entrance and exit was numbered, as was each staircase. There were 80 entrances at ground level, 76 for ordinary spectators, two for the imperial family, and two for the gladiators. The vomitoria quickly dispersed people into their seats and upon conclusion of the event disgorged them with abruptness into the surrounding streets - giving rise, presumably, to the name.

Later history
The Colosseum was in continuous use until 217, when it was damaged by fire after it was struck by lightning. It was restored in 238 and gladiatorial games continued until Christianity gradually put an end to those parts of them which included the death of humans. The building was used for various purposes, mostly venationes (animal hunts), until 524. Two earthquakes (in 442 and 508) caused a great damage to the structure. In the Middle Ages, it was severely damaged by further earthquakes (847 and 1349), and was then converted into a fortress. The marble that originally covered it was burned to make quicklime. During the Renaissance, but mostly in the Baroque age, the ruling Roman families (from which many popes came) used it as a source of marble for the construction of St. Peter's Basilica and the private Palazzi. A famous description is in the saying Quod non fecerunt Barbari, fecerunt Barberini; what the Barbarians weren't able to do, was done by the Barberinis (one such family).

The Venerable Bede (c. 672-735) wrote

Quandiu stabit coliseus, stabit et Roma; (As long as the Colosseum stands, so shall Rome)
Quando cadit coliseus, cadet et Roma (When the Colosseum falls, so shall Rome)
Quando cadet Roma, cadet et mundus. (When Rome falls, so shall the world)
Note that he used coliseus, i.e. he made the name a masculine noun. This form is no longer in use.

In 1749, as a very early example of historic preservation, Pope Benedict XIV forbade the use of the Colosseum as a quarry. He consecrated the building to the Passion of Christ and installed Stations of the Cross, declaring it sanctified by the blood of the Christian martyrs who were thought to have perished there. Later popes initiated various stabilization and restoration projects. Every Good Friday the pope leads a procession within the ellipse in memory of Christian martyrs. However, there is no historical evidence that Christians were tortured and killed in the Colosseum [2]. It is presumed that the majority of Christian martyrdom in Rome took place at the Circus Maximus.

In recent years, the local authorities of Rome have illuminated the Colosseum all night long whenever someone condemned to the death penalty gets commuted or released.

Peter Wissing
Italy- Rome- Coliseum seen from outside~0.jpg
Italy- Rome- Coliseum seen from outsideColosseum
The Colosseum or Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (lat. Amphitheatrum Flavium), is an amphitheatre in Rome, capable of seating 50,000 spectators, which was once used for gladiatorial combat. It was built by Emperor Vespasian and his son, Titus, between AD 72 and AD 90. It was built at the site of Nero's enormous palace, the Domus Aurea. The Colosseum's name is derived from a colossus (a 130-foot or 40-metre statue) of Nero which once stood nearby.

Construction
The construction of the Colosseum began under the Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed by his son, Titus, in the 80s AD. It was built at the site of Nero's enormous palace, the Domus Aurea, which had been built after the great fire of Rome in AD 64. Some historians are of the opinion that the construction of the Colosseum might have been financed by the looting of King Herod the Great's Temple in Jerusalem which occurred about AD 70. Dio Cassius said that 9,000 wild animals were killed in the one hundred days of celebration which inaugurated the amphitheatre opening. The arena floor was covered with sand to sop up the blood.

The Colosseum hosted large-scale spectacular games that included fights between animals (venationes), the killing of prisoners by animals and other executions (noxii), naval battles (naumachiae, via flooding the arena), and combats between gladiators (munera). It has been estimated that between 500,000 and 1,000,000 people died in the Colosseum games.

History of the name Colosseum
The Colosseum's name is derived from a colossus (a 130-foot or 40-metre statue) of Nero nearby. This statue was later remodeled by Nero's successors into the likeness of Sol, the sun god, by adding the appropriate solar crown. The link to Nero's colossus seems to have been forgotten over time, and the name was corrupted to Coliseum in the Middle Ages. Both names are frequently used in modern English, but "Flavian Amphitheatre" is generally unknown. In Italy, it is still known as il colosseo, but other Romance languages have gone for forms such as le colisée and el coliseo.

Description
The Colosseum measured 48 metres high, 188 metres long, and 156 metres wide. The wooden arena floor was 86 metres by 54 metres, and covered by sand. Its elliptical shape kept the players from retreating to a corner, and allowed the spectators to be closer to the action than a circle would allow.

The Colosseum was ingeniously designed. It has been said that most spectacle venues (stadiums, and similar) have been influenced by features of the Colosseum's structure, even well into modern times. Seating (cavea) was divided into different sections. The podium, the first level of seating, was for the Roman senators, and the emperor's private, cushioned, marble box was also located on this level. Above the podium was the maenianum primum, for the other Roman aristocrats who were not in the senate. The third level, the maenianum secundum, was divided into three sections. The lower part (the immum) was for wealthy citizens, while the upper part (the summum) was for poor citizens. A third, wooden section (the maenianum secundum in legneis) was a wooden structure at the very top of the building, added by Domitian. It was standing room only, and was for lower class women.

Underneath the arena was the hypogeum (literally, "underground"), a network of tunnels and cages where gladiators and animals were held before contests began. There were also numerous trap doors in the arena floor for the various animals hidden underneath. The arena floor no longer exists, and the hypogeum walls and corridors are clearly visible in the ruins of the building. The entire base of the Colosseum was equivalent to 6 acres (160,000 m²).

A most ingenious part of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered net-like structure made of ropes, with a hole in the center. This roof sloped down towards the center to catch the wind and provide a breeze for the audience. Sailors manipulated the ropes. The Colosseum also had vomitoria - passageways that open into a tier of seats from below or behind. The vomitoria of the Colosseum in Rome were designed so that the immense venue could fill in 15 minutes, and be evacuated in 5 minutes. Each entrance and exit was numbered, as was each staircase. There were 80 entrances at ground level, 76 for ordinary spectators, two for the imperial family, and two for the gladiators. The vomitoria quickly dispersed people into their seats and upon conclusion of the event disgorged them with abruptness into the surrounding streets - giving rise, presumably, to the name.

Later history
The Colosseum was in continuous use until 217, when it was damaged by fire after it was struck by lightning. It was restored in 238 and gladiatorial games continued until Christianity gradually put an end to those parts of them which included the death of humans. The building was used for various purposes, mostly venationes (animal hunts), until 524. Two earthquakes (in 442 and 508) caused a great damage to the structure. In the Middle Ages, it was severely damaged by further earthquakes (847 and 1349), and was then converted into a fortress. The marble that originally covered it was burned to make quicklime. During the Renaissance, but mostly in the Baroque age, the ruling Roman families (from which many popes came) used it as a source of marble for the construction of St. Peter's Basilica and the private Palazzi. A famous description is in the saying Quod non fecerunt Barbari, fecerunt Barberini; what the Barbarians weren't able to do, was done by the Barberinis (one such family).

The Venerable Bede (c. 672-735) wrote

Quandiu stabit coliseus, stabit et Roma; (As long as the Colosseum stands, so shall Rome)
Quando cadit coliseus, cadet et Roma (When the Colosseum falls, so shall Rome)
Quando cadet Roma, cadet et mundus. (When Rome falls, so shall the world)
Note that he used coliseus, i.e. he made the name a masculine noun. This form is no longer in use.

In 1749, as a very early example of historic preservation, Pope Benedict XIV forbade the use of the Colosseum as a quarry. He consecrated the building to the Passion of Christ and installed Stations of the Cross, declaring it sanctified by the blood of the Christian martyrs who were thought to have perished there. Later popes initiated various stabilization and restoration projects. Every Good Friday the pope leads a procession within the ellipse in memory of Christian martyrs. However, there is no historical evidence that Christians were tortured and killed in the Colosseum [2]. It is presumed that the majority of Christian martyrdom in Rome took place at the Circus Maximus.

In recent years, the local authorities of Rome have illuminated the Colosseum all night long whenever someone condemned to the death penalty gets commuted or released.

Peter Wissing
Italy- Rome- Coliseum seen from outside 1~0.jpg
Italy- Rome- Coliseum seen from outside 1Colosseum
The Colosseum or Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (lat. Amphitheatrum Flavium), is an amphitheatre in Rome, capable of seating 50,000 spectators, which was once used for gladiatorial combat. It was built by Emperor Vespasian and his son, Titus, between AD 72 and AD 90. It was built at the site of Nero's enormous palace, the Domus Aurea. The Colosseum's name is derived from a colossus (a 130-foot or 40-metre statue) of Nero which once stood nearby.

Construction
The construction of the Colosseum began under the Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed by his son, Titus, in the 80s AD. It was built at the site of Nero's enormous palace, the Domus Aurea, which had been built after the great fire of Rome in AD 64. Some historians are of the opinion that the construction of the Colosseum might have been financed by the looting of King Herod the Great's Temple in Jerusalem which occurred about AD 70. Dio Cassius said that 9,000 wild animals were killed in the one hundred days of celebration which inaugurated the amphitheatre opening. The arena floor was covered with sand to sop up the blood.

The Colosseum hosted large-scale spectacular games that included fights between animals (venationes), the killing of prisoners by animals and other executions (noxii), naval battles (naumachiae, via flooding the arena), and combats between gladiators (munera). It has been estimated that between 500,000 and 1,000,000 people died in the Colosseum games.

History of the name Colosseum
The Colosseum's name is derived from a colossus (a 130-foot or 40-metre statue) of Nero nearby. This statue was later remodeled by Nero's successors into the likeness of Sol, the sun god, by adding the appropriate solar crown. The link to Nero's colossus seems to have been forgotten over time, and the name was corrupted to Coliseum in the Middle Ages. Both names are frequently used in modern English, but "Flavian Amphitheatre" is generally unknown. In Italy, it is still known as il colosseo, but other Romance languages have gone for forms such as le colisée and el coliseo.

Description
The Colosseum measured 48 metres high, 188 metres long, and 156 metres wide. The wooden arena floor was 86 metres by 54 metres, and covered by sand. Its elliptical shape kept the players from retreating to a corner, and allowed the spectators to be closer to the action than a circle would allow.

The Colosseum was ingeniously designed. It has been said that most spectacle venues (stadiums, and similar) have been influenced by features of the Colosseum's structure, even well into modern times. Seating (cavea) was divided into different sections. The podium, the first level of seating, was for the Roman senators, and the emperor's private, cushioned, marble box was also located on this level. Above the podium was the maenianum primum, for the other Roman aristocrats who were not in the senate. The third level, the maenianum secundum, was divided into three sections. The lower part (the immum) was for wealthy citizens, while the upper part (the summum) was for poor citizens. A third, wooden section (the maenianum secundum in legneis) was a wooden structure at the very top of the building, added by Domitian. It was standing room only, and was for lower class women.

Underneath the arena was the hypogeum (literally, "underground"), a network of tunnels and cages where gladiators and animals were held before contests began. There were also numerous trap doors in the arena floor for the various animals hidden underneath. The arena floor no longer exists, and the hypogeum walls and corridors are clearly visible in the ruins of the building. The entire base of the Colosseum was equivalent to 6 acres (160,000 m²).

A most ingenious part of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered net-like structure made of ropes, with a hole in the center. This roof sloped down towards the center to catch the wind and provide a breeze for the audience. Sailors manipulated the ropes. The Colosseum also had vomitoria - passageways that open into a tier of seats from below or behind. The vomitoria of the Colosseum in Rome were designed so that the immense venue could fill in 15 minutes, and be evacuated in 5 minutes. Each entrance and exit was numbered, as was each staircase. There were 80 entrances at ground level, 76 for ordinary spectators, two for the imperial family, and two for the gladiators. The vomitoria quickly dispersed people into their seats and upon conclusion of the event disgorged them with abruptness into the surrounding streets - giving rise, presumably, to the name.

Later history
The Colosseum was in continuous use until 217, when it was damaged by fire after it was struck by lightning. It was restored in 238 and gladiatorial games continued until Christianity gradually put an end to those parts of them which included the death of humans. The building was used for various purposes, mostly venationes (animal hunts), until 524. Two earthquakes (in 442 and 508) caused a great damage to the structure. In the Middle Ages, it was severely damaged by further earthquakes (847 and 1349), and was then converted into a fortress. The marble that originally covered it was burned to make quicklime. During the Renaissance, but mostly in the Baroque age, the ruling Roman families (from which many popes came) used it as a source of marble for the construction of St. Peter's Basilica and the private Palazzi. A famous description is in the saying Quod non fecerunt Barbari, fecerunt Barberini; what the Barbarians weren't able to do, was done by the Barberinis (one such family).

The Venerable Bede (c. 672-735) wrote

Quandiu stabit coliseus, stabit et Roma; (As long as the Colosseum stands, so shall Rome)
Quando cadit coliseus, cadet et Roma (When the Colosseum falls, so shall Rome)
Quando cadet Roma, cadet et mundus. (When Rome falls, so shall the world)
Note that he used coliseus, i.e. he made the name a masculine noun. This form is no longer in use.

In 1749, as a very early example of historic preservation, Pope Benedict XIV forbade the use of the Colosseum as a quarry. He consecrated the building to the Passion of Christ and installed Stations of the Cross, declaring it sanctified by the blood of the Christian martyrs who were thought to have perished there. Later popes initiated various stabilization and restoration projects. Every Good Friday the pope leads a procession within the ellipse in memory of Christian martyrs. However, there is no historical evidence that Christians were tortured and killed in the Colosseum [2]. It is presumed that the majority of Christian martyrdom in Rome took place at the Circus Maximus.

In recent years, the local authorities of Rome have illuminated the Colosseum all night long whenever someone condemned to the death penalty gets commuted or released.

Peter Wissing
Italy- Rome- The Arch of Vespasian.jpg
Italy- Rome- The Arch of TitoThe Arch of Titus (Arcus Titi) is a triumphal arch that commemorates the victory of the emperors Vespasian and Titus in Judea in 70 CE, which lead to the conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Jewish temple there, and the triumphal procession the two held in Rome in 71 CE. It is situated at the E. entrance to the Forum Romanum, on the Via Sacra, south of the Temple of Amor and Roma, close to the Colosseum.

The arch was definitely erected sometimes after after the death of Titus in 81 CE, since Titus is referred to as Divus in the inscription. The deification of an emperor only happened posthumously after decision by the senate. It was most probably erected by emperor Domitian who succeeded his brother Titus in 81 CE, but it has also been suggested that it was built later, by Trajan, because of stylistic similarities with the Arch of Trajan at Benevento.

The Arch of Titus is a single arch, measuring 15.4m in height, 13.5m in width and 4.75m in depth, originally constructed entirely in Pantelic marble, with four semi-columns on each side. The external decorations include figures of Victoria with trophies on the spandrels and images of Roma and the Genius of Rome on the two keystones.

The inscription on the E. side is the original dedication of the arch by the senate. It reads:

Senatus
Populusque Romanus
divo Tito divo Vespasiani f(ilio)
Vespasiano Augusto

The senate
and people of Rome
to the divine Titus, son of the divine Vespasian,
Vespasianus Augustus

The inside the archway the monument is decorated with reliefs in marble. The S. side shows the beginning of the triumphal entry into Rome of the victorious emperor and his troops. The soldiers, walking left to right, are carrying the spoils of war, which include the seven armed candelabrum and the silver trumpets from the temple of Jerusalem. The signs carried by some soldiers displayed the names of the conquered cities and people. To the right the procession is entering the city through the Porta Triumphalis.

The N. side of the arch is decorated with a relief of the emperor in the triumphal procession. The emperor is riding a quadriga, which is lead by the goddess Roma, and he is crowned by Victoria flying above him. The lictors are walking in front of the chariot with their long ceremonial axes. After the emperor follow as a young man, who represents the Roman people, and an older man in toga, representing the senate. In the middle, under the vault a small relief shows the apotheosis of Titus, flying to the heavens on the back of an eagle.
Peter Wissing
Italy- Rome- The arch of Tito and inside the arches.jpg
Italy- Rome- The arch of Tito and inside the archesThe Arch of Titus (Arcus Titi) is a triumphal arch that commemorates the victory of the emperors Vespasian and Titus in Judea in 70 CE, which lead to the conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Jewish temple there, and the triumphal procession the two held in Rome in 71 CE. It is situated at the E. entrance to the Forum Romanum, on the Via Sacra, south of the Temple of Amor and Roma, close to the Colosseum.

The arch was definitely erected sometimes after after the death of Titus in 81 CE, since Titus is referred to as Divus in the inscription. The deification of an emperor only happened posthumously after decision by the senate. It was most probably erected by emperor Domitian who succeeded his brother Titus in 81 CE, but it has also been suggested that it was built later, by Trajan, because of stylistic similarities with the Arch of Trajan at Benevento.

The Arch of Titus is a single arch, measuring 15.4m in height, 13.5m in width and 4.75m in depth, originally constructed entirely in Pantelic marble, with four semi-columns on each side. The external decorations include figures of Victoria with trophies on the spandrels and images of Roma and the Genius of Rome on the two keystones.

The inscription on the E. side is the original dedication of the arch by the senate. It reads:

Senatus
Populusque Romanus
divo Tito divo Vespasiani f(ilio)
Vespasiano Augusto

The senate
and people of Rome
to the divine Titus, son of the divine Vespasian,
Vespasianus Augustus

The inside the archway the monument is decorated with reliefs in marble. The S. side shows the beginning of the triumphal entry into Rome of the victorious emperor and his troops. The soldiers, walking left to right, are carrying the spoils of war, which include the seven armed candelabrum and the silver trumpets from the temple of Jerusalem. The signs carried by some soldiers displayed the names of the conquered cities and people. To the right the procession is entering the city through the Porta Triumphalis.

The N. side of the arch is decorated with a relief of the emperor in the triumphal procession. The emperor is riding a quadriga, which is lead by the goddess Roma, and he is crowned by Victoria flying above him. The lictors are walking in front of the chariot with their long ceremonial axes. After the emperor follow as a young man, who represents the Roman people, and an older man in toga, representing the senate. In the middle, under the vault a small relief shows the apotheosis of Titus, flying to the heavens on the back of an eagle.
Peter Wissing
Italy- Rome- The entrance to Forum and the arch of Tito.jpg
Italy- Rome- The entrance to Forum and the arch of TitoThe Arch of Titus (Arcus Titi) is a triumphal arch that commemorates the victory of the emperors Vespasian and Titus in Judea in 70 CE, which lead to the conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Jewish temple there, and the triumphal procession the two held in Rome in 71 CE. It is situated at the E. entrance to the Forum Romanum, on the Via Sacra, south of the Temple of Amor and Roma, close to the Colosseum.

The arch was definitely erected sometimes after after the death of Titus in 81 CE, since Titus is referred to as Divus in the inscription. The deification of an emperor only happened posthumously after decision by the senate. It was most probably erected by emperor Domitian who succeeded his brother Titus in 81 CE, but it has also been suggested that it was built later, by Trajan, because of stylistic similarities with the Arch of Trajan at Benevento.

The Arch of Titus is a single arch, measuring 15.4m in height, 13.5m in width and 4.75m in depth, originally constructed entirely in Pantelic marble, with four semi-columns on each side. The external decorations include figures of Victoria with trophies on the spandrels and images of Roma and the Genius of Rome on the two keystones.

The inscription on the E. side is the original dedication of the arch by the senate. It reads:

Senatus
Populusque Romanus
divo Tito divo Vespasiani f(ilio)
Vespasiano Augusto

The senate
and people of Rome
to the divine Titus, son of the divine Vespasian,
Vespasianus Augustus

The inside the archway the monument is decorated with reliefs in marble. The S. side shows the beginning of the triumphal entry into Rome of the victorious emperor and his troops. The soldiers, walking left to right, are carrying the spoils of war, which include the seven armed candelabrum and the silver trumpets from the temple of Jerusalem. The signs carried by some soldiers displayed the names of the conquered cities and people. To the right the procession is entering the city through the Porta Triumphalis.

The N. side of the arch is decorated with a relief of the emperor in the triumphal procession. The emperor is riding a quadriga, which is lead by the goddess Roma, and he is crowned by Victoria flying above him. The lictors are walking in front of the chariot with their long ceremonial axes. After the emperor follow as a young man, who represents the Roman people, and an older man in toga, representing the senate. In the middle, under the vault a small relief shows the apotheosis of Titus, flying to the heavens on the back of an eagle.

Peter Wissing
year_4web.jpg
Jewish War, 66-70 AD, bronze 1/8 shekel Bronze eighth denomination, 19 mm, 5.08 g, 69 - 70 A.D.
O: "To the redemption of Zion" in Hebrew, Omer cup with a pearled rim;
R: "Year four" in Hebrew, Lulav (myrtle, palm and willow branches tied together) flanked by an etrog (citron - small lemon like fruit) on both sides - Hendin 1369

During the fourth year of the Jewish War, the Romans had besieged the Jews in Jerusalem. There was a shortage of materials, and so, for the first time fractions of the shekel were minted in bronze. These are among the earliest examples of "siege money." Intended to pass as the equivalent in silver, they would have been redeemed for their face value at the end of a successful rebellion.

These siege pieces recall a time of despair and desperation in Jerusalem. Surrounded by Roman Legions under General Titus, intense starvation ravaged the city. Inhabitants were reduced to eating pieces of leather, belts and shoes. Josephus says that mothers even roasted and ate their own children. Simply having the appearance of good health implied a person was hiding food and would be reason enough to be murdered.
3 commentsNemonater
FC1.jpg
Joe Geranio Collection- Domitian. As Caesar, AD 69-81. AR DenariusJoe Geranio Collection- Domitian. As Caesar, AD 69-81. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.03 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Titus, AD 80-81. Laureate head right / Corinthian helmet on draped seat. RIC II 271 (Titus); RSC 399a.1 commentsJoe Geranio
capta titus.jpg
JUDAEA CAPTATitus, 79-81 A.D., Judaea Capta, Struck at Caesarea Maritima, Hendin-745
TitusJudea Capta, Caesarea Maritima.
O: Laureate bust Titus to right. AYTOKP. TIT. OΣΚΑΙΣΑΡ
R: Jewish captive, hands bound behind him, kneels left beneath trophy
IOYΔΑΙΑCΕΑΛ WΚΥΙΑC
Hendin-745.
Maritima
Year2Shekel.jpg
Judaea, First Revolt Shekel, Year 2Judaea, First Jewish War AR Shekel. Dated year 2 (AD 67/8)
O: Hebrew script read from right to left SKL ISRAL “Shekel of Israel”, the date Shin Bet, "Year Two" of the revolution, above Omer cup with beaded rim
R: Hebrew script YRUSLIM H KDOSA “Jerusalem the Holy” around sprig of three pomegranates.

This coin was minted during times of great upheaval in Judaea as well as the rest of the Roman empire.

As Jewish factions were fighting for control in Jerusalem, General Vespasian's armies invaded Galilee in 67 CE with 60,000 men as they began the effort to quell the rebellion started a year earlier. Vespasian captured the commander of Galilee, Josephus ben Matthias, in the little mountain town of Jotapata, which fell after a fierce siege of 47 days. It was the second bloodiest battle of the revolt, surpassed only by the sacking of Jerusalem, and the longest except for Jerusalem and Masada.

Driven from Galilee, Zealot rebels and thousands of refugees arrived in Judea, causing even greater political turmoil in Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, back in Rome in 68 CE, Nero commits suicide, plunging the Empire into a civil war. Galba, Otho and Vitellius would assume the purple till Vespasian, leaving the battle in Judaea to Titus, brought the matter to a conclusion in 69.
6 commentsNemonater
Julia_Titi.jpg
Julia Titi (Flavia)Orichalcum dupondius, RIC II-1 T395/394 (R/R2); BnF III T268/T269; cf. Cohen I 3 (CONCORDIA AVG); Hunter I 5 (same); SRCV I 2616 (CONCORDIA AVG); BMCRE II -, aF, green patina, 10.442g, 28.0mm, 180o, Rome mint, struck under Titus, 80 - 81 A.D.; obverse IVLIA IMP T AVG F AVGVSTA, draped bust right, hair piled high in the front, coiled in a bun at the back; reverse CONCORD AVGVST, Concordia seated left, patera in right hand, cornucopia in left hand, S - C (senatus consulto) in exergue; from the Shawn Caza Collection, ex Kunst-und Antikmarkt Am Hof (Vienna, Austria); this coin is an extremely rare apparently unpublished mule of two very similar rare varieties from the same issue; zero sales of this mule type are recorded on Coin Archives in the last two decades; extremely rare.1 commentsTodd R
titi.jpg
Julia Titi DenariusJulia Titi Denarius. Rome mint, under Titus, 79-81 AD
IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F, diademed & draped bust right, hair in long plait down back
VENVS AVGVST, Venus, drapery hanging loosely below waist, standing right, seen from behind, leaning back on column, cradling long scepter in left arm & holding crested helmet in outstretched right hand

BN 106. RIC 56. BMC 141. C. 14. RCV # 2612
1 commentsTanit
TITI-1.jpg
Julia Titi, daughter of Titus, lived for a time with her uncle Domitian as his wife. Augusta, c. 79-90/91 CE.AR denarius, (20 mm, 3.2g). c. 79 CE.
Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F, Draped bust right, hair in plaits behind.
Rev: VENVS AVGVST, Venus standing right, against column, holding helmet and scepter.
Sear 2612; RIC 56 (Titus); RSC 14; BMC 141; Vagi 1052.

This is the more common type which portrays Venus topless. There are reverse variants which depict her with a bra: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=6719;start=msg49161#msg49161
livia.jpg
Livia AE dupondiusLivia AE dupondius. Restoration issue under Titus, 80-81 A.D. Veiled and diademed bust of Livia as Pietas right, PIETAS below / IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG RESTIT around SC. RIC 222, RCV 2588

Ex. Artemid Aste, Jean Baptiste Collection
Holding_History
Clipboard11~4.jpg
Lycaonia, Iconium. Titus AE18Obv: T CAES IM PONT / laureate head of Titus, r.
Rev: COL - ICO-NIEN, E - Q / two standards; between them, star.
Struck during the reign of Vespasian.
1 commentsancientone
Clipboard7~6.jpg
Lycaonia, Iconium. Titus AE18Obv: T CAES IM PONT / laureate head of Titus, r.
Rev: COL - ICO-NIEN, E - Q / two standards; between them, star.
Struck during the reign of Vespasian.
1 commentsancientone
titus~0.jpg
Orichalcum dupondius, PAX AVG, RIC II pt. I 1261 (Vespasian)Titus, 24 June 79 - 13 September 81 A.D. Orichalcum dupondius, RIC II pt. I 1261 (Vespasian), F, heavy obverse corrosion, Lyon mint, 10.782g, 28.0mm, 180o, as Caesar, 77 - 78 A.D.; obverse T CAES IMP AVG F TR P COS V[I CENSOR], laureate head right, globe at point of bust; reverse PAX AVG, Pax standing left, patera in right, caduceus and branch in left, altar at feet left, S C in fields. Ex FORVMPodiceps
perge_titus_RPC1514.jpg
Pamphylia, Perge, Titus, RPC 1514Titus, AD 79-81
AE 20, 5.71g
obv. KAIC - AR TITOC
Head, laureate, r.
rev. ARTEMIDOC PERGAIAC
Artemis Pergaia, in long garment and with crescent on her head, advancing r.,
holding bow in raised l. hand and short torch in l. hand
RPC 1514
rare, about VF, granular surfaces
Jochen
titusAntioch.jpg
Pisidia, Antioch. Titus AE22Obv: T CAES IMP PONT, laureate and cuirassed bust of Titus, r., with aegis.
Rev: ANT COL, priest holding vexillum ploughing with two oxen, r.; above, crescent.
RPC II, 1605A.
ancientone
Troas,_Ilion,_020_Vespasian,_AE-,_Vespasian,_Titus,_Domitian_,_Athena,_RPC_II_893,_Bellinger_T197,_69-79_AD,_Q-001,_0h,_19,5-21mm,_8,25g-s~0.jpg
R., Troas, Ilion, Asia (conventus of Adramyteum), 020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), RPC II 0893, AE-21, Confronted, laureate and draped busts of Titus right and Domitian left #1R., Troas, Ilion, Asia (conventus of Adramyteum), 020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), RPC II 0893, AE-21, Confronted, laureate and draped busts of Titus right and Domitian left #1
avers: (AYTOK K CEBAC) OYECPACIANOC, Laureate head of Vespasian right
reverse: TITω KAICAP I ΔOMITIANΩ KA IΛI, Confronted, laureate and draped busts of Titus right and Domitian left. Between them, cult image of Athena, standing on a low base, turned half left, brandishing spear and resting a hand on the shield.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 19,5-21,0mm, weight: 8,25g, axis: 0h,
mint: City: Ilium, Region: Troas, Province: Asia (conventus of Adramyteum),
date: 69-79 A.D.,
ref: RPC II 0893, Bellinger T127, BMC 46, SNG Cop 392,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
Titus Denarius captive.JPG
RIC 001 TitusAR Denarius, 3.10g
Rome Mint, 24 June-1 July 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT VIII COS VII; Trophy; below, captive kneeling r.
RIC 1 (R). BMC 1. RSC 334a. BNC -. Hendin 1582.
Acquired from Hail Cesare, August 2004.

Titus minted quite a flurry of denarii after Vespasian's death in June 79 AD. They advertise many of the same themes and types previously issued for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian, such as this carry-over 'Capta' type struck within the first week of Titus' reign. It may either be a Judaea or Britannia capta commemorative. Mattingly in the BMCRE (p. xli) interprets these types of Titus as Augustus as referring to Britannia and Agricola's campaigns in Northern England and Scotland. Jane M. Cody in the book 'Flavian Rome' (pg. 111) agrees with Mattingly, citing the differences in shield and trophy designs with the standard Judaea Capta types. Confusingly, Mattingly states that this type issued for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian refers to Judaea while Cody believes both issues were minted for victories in Britain because of identical composition and detail. I believe it to be a Judaea Capta commemorative. Titus's bronze coinage overtly advertises the Judean victory with no hint of a British one. It would be odd indeed if the propaganda messages on the precious metal coinage diverged so significantly from the bronze! Additionally, this type was solely struck for Titus Caesar under Vespasian - if it is a British victory commemorative, why was it not struck for Vespasian the ruling emperor?

Definitely one of my favourite coins in the collection. The condition alone is enough to take your breath away.
10 commentsDavid Atherton
T2aPS.jpg
RIC 002 TitusAR Denarius, 3.17g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 2 (R2). BMC specimen acquired 1934. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, November 2014.

The Annona reverse type struck for Titus Caesar is quite common and copies the same reverse struck contemporarily for Vespasian. It was also struck briefly for Titus after becoming emperor on 24 June, 79 AD. The type is very rare for him as Augustus, perhaps minted in the space of a week prior to the TR P VIIII dating on 1 July. Evidently the mint did not have new reverse types prepared for the new princeps and so recycled those struck for him as Caesar during that first week.

This is an extremely rare type for Titus as Augustus and certainly the rarest of the first issue. The new RIC cites three specimens (BM, Vienna, private collection), mine will make the fourth that I know of and it is a die match with the BM specimen.

Better in hand than the photo indicates.
9 commentsDavid Atherton
RIC_22_Titus.jpg
RIC 0022 TitusObv : IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, Laureate head of Titus, right
Rev : TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII, Ceres seated left, with corn ears and poppy and torch
AR/Denarius 18.43 mm 3.34 g 6 h - Struck in Rome 79 AD (2nd issue)
RIC 22 (C), BMCRE 7-9, RSC 270, Paris 7
ex Ibercoin Auction 14 Lot 2167
FlaviusDomitianus
RIC_26_Titus.jpg
RIC 0026 TitusObv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, Laureate head of Titus, left
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P, Quadriga left, with corn ears
AR/Denarius (19.27 mm 3.100 g 6h) Struck in Rome 79 A.D. (2nd issue)
RIC 26 (R2), RSC 278a
ex Nomisma Auction 54 lot 159
3 commentsFlaviusDomitianus
T3a.jpg
RIC 003 TitusAR Denarius, 3.16g
Rome mint, 24 June - July 1, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and poppy and sceptre
RIC 3 (R). BMC 105. RSC 31a. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

This denarius of Titus was struck in the first week or so of his reign in June of 79 AD. The reverse type of Ceres standing is a carry-over from Titus as Caesar under Vespasian. Many of Titus's first reverse types were a continuation of those produced for him as Caesar under Vespasian, probably because the mint needed time to adjusted for a new series. The Ceres reverse is not rare under Vespasian, but is extremely so under Titus as Augustus. RIC gives a rarity rating of 'rare', which to me seems a bit off. I've only seen three of these in trade in 7 years. Perhaps the representation of the type in major collections is overdone?

At any rate, this specimen is a fine example of an early Titus denarius.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D5b.jpg
RIC 005 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.30g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 5 (C). BMC 4. RSC 552. BNC 4.
Ex Lanz, eBay, 17 November 2013.

Domitian's 81 AD Group 1 denarii are fairly rare, issued perhaps within the first days of him obtaining the purple. The early dating of the type can be confirmed by the spartan-like reverse titles that show Domitian simply as Tribunica Potestat for the first time and Consul for the seventh. Domitian was notorious for his adherence to the correct form of his titles, as clearly evident here. He would not advertise any titles that had yet to be bestowed. The absence of PM or P P is glaringly apparent.

The reverse is a carry-over 'pulvinaria' type from Titus' reign and is the only appearance of the tripod with ravens in Domitian's 'pulvinaria' series. The group 1 denarii show an uncanny connection with reverse types previously minted for Titus, perhaps indicating little interruption in mint production between the reigns. The series may be connected to the opening games of the Flavian Amphitheatre.

A decent coin in fine metal with an early style reminiscent of Domitian as Caesar under Titus.
4 commentsDavid Atherton
titus_capri1.jpg
RIC 005 TitusAR Denarius, 3.27g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII; Capricorn l.; below, globe
RIC 5 (C). BMC p. 224 note. RSC 280a. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

An early Titus denarius struck sometime after 1 July 79 before Titus was awarded 'Father of the Country' (P P). This Augustan Capricorn restoration type is a carry-over from Vespasian's reign. Rated as 'common' in RIC, but very rare in trade.

A bit corroded with some nicks and scratches, which don't detract too much from the over all appeal of the piece. Good portrait too. The photo really doesn't do it justice.

NB: This same type was found in the House of the Golden Bracelet and was mistakenly thought to have read IMP XV. R. Abdy of the BM examined the piece in 2013 and concluded it actually reads IMP XIIII, without P P at the end of the legend.
David Atherton
D6.jpg
RIC 006 Domitian MuleAR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 6 (R3, this coin). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 139. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG, Auction 70, 21 September 2005, lot 910.

A unique mint mule combining a first issue Domitian obverse with a reverse die used for Titus' last issue. This coin may help clear up a long debated mystery concerning the date of Titus' last denarius issue. Curtis Clay explains: 'Titus' gold and silver coinage is regarded as having ended before 1 July 80, over a year before he died, since his latest aurei and denarii all bear the title TR P IX, and his ninth tribunician year ended on 1 July 80. A fourteen-month gap in the precious metal coinage is strange in this era, however, and if we follow Mattingly in postulating that the attested fire in Rome in 80 destroyed the mint, so interrupting its production, it seems a remarkable coincidence that the mint was finally repaired, and ready to resume production using the same "pulvinar" types that it had been striking for Titus early in 80, precisely when Titus died and Domitian assumed the throne in Sept. 81! Judging from Domitian's earliest coinage, one would have thought that the mint must still have been producing pulvinar coins for Titus just before he died, despite the title TR P IX. That this was in fact the case seems to be proven by a mule which emerged in 2005, RIC Domitian 6, pl. 117, showing Domitian's earliest obv. legend as Augustus, IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG, coupled with a pulvinar reverse type of Titus, TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, Tripod with dolphin, wreath, and ravens above. This mule strongly suggests that pulvinar coins were being struck for Titus just before he died: it's difficult to believe that an old die of before 1 July 80 had somehow survived the supposed fire, and just happened to be available for use by Domitian fourteen months later! But why continued use of the outdated title? In Sept. 81 Titus was TR P XI, not IX!'

This unique specimen is the plate coin in RIC II.1. It is also discussed in RIC's introduction to Titus' coinage: '... a recently discovered mint mule combines a reverse of Titus' last denarius issue with an obverse of the first issue of Domitian's reign in late 81 (Dom no. 6). Mules usually combine dies in parallel or at least in closely contemporaneous use, which might imply here that the Titus TRP IX IMP XV COS VIII dies continued to be used after the assumption of TR P X, and perhaps even into 81. In sum, while the titulature of Titus is of the first half of 80, the sheer scale of the coinage produced for Titus COS VIII and Domitian COS VII, and the fact that following Domitian's accession the mint was very active in the period September to December 81, suggests 80-81.' (p. 185) It must be noted that prior to this coin's discovery in 2005, Titus' last denarius issue had previously been dated by the major references to the first half of 80. Sometimes a coin can change history.

The numismatic and historical importance of the piece, combined with its aesthetic beauty, places it at or near the top of my list of all time favourite coins.
7 commentsDavid Atherton
T6.JPG
RIC 006 TitusAR Denarius, 2.80g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII; Ceres std. l., with corn ears and poppy and torch
RIC 6 (R2). BMC p. 432. RSC 270a. BNC 1.
Acquired from Marc Walter, eBay, 25 August 2012.

Minted in 79 AD after 1 July, this is an early denarius, indicated by the absence of P P (Pater Patriae) in the reverse legend. The Ceres reverse is a carry-over type struck by Vespasian in 79 before his death and adopted by Titus after he donned the purple. A variety that is quite rare and hard to come by in trade. A reverse die match with the RIC plate coin.
7 commentsDavid Atherton
RIC_67_Titus.jpg
RIC 0067 TitusObv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VII, Radiate head of Titus, right
Rev: CERES AVGVST / S - C, Ceres standing left, with corn ears and torch
AE/Dupondius (28.78 mm 13.56 g 6h) Struck in Rome 79 A D
RIC 67 (R2), BMCRE, BNF unlisted
2 commentsFlaviusDomitianus
RIC_70_Titus.jpg
RIC 0070 TitusObv : IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VII, Laureate head of Titus, right
Rev : PAX AVGVST / S - C in field; Pax standing left, leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
AE/As (28.26 mm 10.70 g 6h) Struck in Rome 79 A.D. (2nd group)
RIC 70 (R2), BMCRE unlisted, Paris unlisted
ex Nummus et Ars Auction 83 lot 222
3 commentsFlaviusDomitianus
cc67515a.jpg
RIC 008 TitusAR Denarius, 3.46g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII; Quadriga l., with corn ears
RIC 8 (R). BMC p. 224 note. RSC 276. BNC 5.
Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 168, 16 March 2010, lot 243.

This denarius of Titus as Augustus was struck very early in his reign. Part of a rare issue, the reverse legend lacks the normal P P (Pater Patriae or 'Father of his country') found on later issues. The quadriga reverse is a carry-over type from Titus Caesar's last issue minted under Vespasian.

I really like this portrait, a classic example of what his mint workers were capable of.

5 commentsDavid Atherton
T10a.jpg
RIC 010 TitusAR Denarius, 3.33g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII; Statue of radiate male figure with spear and parazonium on rostral column
RIC 10 (R). BMC p. 224 note. RSC - . BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

A carry-over design from Vespasian's coinage copying a similar type struck for Octavian (BMCRE I 103, 633). The column on the reverse depicts the monument erected to commemorate Octavian's victory over Pompey bearing the bronze rams of Pompey's captured ships and surmounted by a gilded statue. This is an extremely rare early variety lacking 'P P' in the reverse legend.

The coin itself is well worn but has a strong, artistic portrait.

David Atherton
Titus_ric_103_Gorny_und_Mosch.JPG
RIC 0103Titus, 79 - 81 n. Chr. Denar (2.96g). 80 n. Chr. Mzst. Rom.
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz n. l.
Rev.: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, zwei Gefangene sitzen Rücken an Rücken an einem Tropaeum.
RIC 103 (R2)
Ex Sammlung Shlomo Moussaieff, London, 1948 - 2000.
Condition: Dunkle Tönung, partiell Auflagen, ss
Ex: Gorny und Mosch e-auction 263 - 07.03.2019: Lot 3615
2 commentsorfew
Titusanchor.jpg
RIC 0112 Titus denariusIMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M
Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, right

TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P
Dolphin coiled around anchor

Rome mint, 80 AD
3.09g

RIC 112 (C2), BMCRE 72, RSC 309

Ex-Londinium Coins

Titus' pulvinar series commemorating the opening of the Colosseum.
4 commentsJay GT4
T12a.JPG
RIC 012 TitusAR Denarius, 3.41g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII; Trophy; below, captive kneeling r.
RIC 12 (R). BMC 5. RSC 274a. BNC 4.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

Struck in 79 AD as Augustus, this captive and trophy type is a carry-over from Titus's last issue as Caesar under Vespasian. Most likely it is a Judaea Capta commemorative, a bold reminder of his part in defeating the Jews nine years before.

The portrait is one of the more skillfully rendered ones from the series and almost excuses the off-center strike.
3 commentsDavid Atherton
D15.jpg
RIC 015 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.10g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: P P COS VII DES VIII; Seat, draped; above, semicircular frame decorated with corn ears
RIC 15 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Savoca Blue 10, 30 September 2018, lot 1212.

The rapidity in which Domitian's first denarius issues of 81 came one after another hint that he was in a great hurry to strike coins as Augustus after Titus's death in mid September 81 AD, presumably for a legionary donative. Dio records that Domitian hastened to the praetorian camp to 'receive the title and authority of the emperor' and promised the soldiers the same bounty Titus had provided. The Roman mint immediately began striking coins for the new emperor. This denarius was struck before Domitian had been awarded the power of the tribunate (TR P). Perhaps it may have taken a few days for the Senate to award the power of the tribunate to Domitian because they had assembled at the small town of Reate where Titus had died and needed to be in Rome in order to vote him the right. Although this Group 2 denarius is not part of Domitian's first RIC issue, it is very likely to have been struck within the first few weeks of him assuming the purple. RIC notes the chronology is not precise with these issues from 81 and they are grouped only for 'convenience'. Judging by the rarity of the Group 2 denarii they could not have been struck for any great length of time.

The type of draped seat with semi circular frame is a carry-over 'pulvinaria' type from Titus, possibly originally struck in connection with the Colosseum's opening games' religious ceremonies. Domitian's 'pulvinaria' coins are a stop-gap issue struck until proper reverse types were designed for the new reign in early 82 when the mint and coinage were overhauled.

Good early style portrait, unsurprisingly reminiscent of those struck for him as Caesar under Titus.
4 commentsDavid Atherton
titus_venus.JPG
RIC 015 TitusAR Denarius, 3.32g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, bearded, laureate, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII; Venus stg. r., leaning on column with helmet and spear
RIC 15 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

Issued after July 1, 79 AD, this coin is part of a rare series of denarii Titus issued in the weeks after he became Augustus. The lack of P P in the reverse legend indicates this is a very early issue and the TR P VIIII in the legend tells us this coin was issued after July 1st, the date when the tribunician was awarded. There were two more issues minted later on in the same year, this coin most likely dates to July/August of 79 AD.

There seems to have been a very smooth transition of power to Titus after Vespasian's death, perhaps a reflection of the fact that Titus was co-emperor under his father all but in name. None of the coin types celebrate the new Augustus, as a matter of fact the reverse types of 79 were mainly a continuation of those last issues minted under Vespasian.

A pleasing Vespasianic portrait.
David Atherton
T16A.jpg
RIC 016A TitusAR Denarius, 2.83g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 16A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Roma Numismatics E-Sale 58, 20 June 2019, lot 1078.

A unique First issue Annona paired with a Second issue obverse legend. The Annona reverse was a carry-over type struck for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian just before his death and was likely issued in the first few days of Titus' reign as a stop-gap until new reverse designs could be created. It is by far the rarest type from the First issue. The obverse legend changed in the second issue from the First issue's IMP T CAESAR to IMP TITVS CAES, this would be the standard obverse legend on the denarii for the remainder of the reign. The appearance of the Annona type with the new obverse legend is possibly a mule using an old First issue reverse die with a new Second issue obverse. There is a slight possibility that it was an intentional strike, but the fact that no other Second issue Annona specimens have surfaced is a strong indication it is accidental.

I informed Ian Carradice of the piece and he has assigned it RIC 16A in the upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda with the note: 'Perhaps a mule, with rev die from the previous issue'.

Good Roman style.
6 commentsDavid Atherton
titus capricorn.JPG
RIC 019 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Capricorn l. : below, globe
RIC 19 (C). BMC 22. RSC 280. BNC 16.
Acquired from Old Roman Coins, March 2004.

A reverse that copies a similar type struck by Augustus and later as a restoration type by Vespasian in his last issue before his death in June 79. The BMCRE conjectures that the Capricorn may have been Titus' natal sign, but it seems more likely this can be viewed as a restoration type.

A very beautiful coin in hand that suffers only from some flatness on the portrait, evidenced around the ear.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
tituslcap.jpg
RIC 020 TitusAR Denarius, 3.27g
Rome Mint, 79 AD, after July 1st
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Capricorn l.; below, globe
RIC 20 (R2). BMC p. 227 note. RSC 282. BNC 17.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

Much rarer than the right facing portrait.

The reverse is a copy of a well known Augustan type. Although considered by Suetonius as 'the darling of the world', Titus is scowling in this portrait.

3 commentsDavid Atherton
RIC_203_Titus.jpg
RIC 0203 TitusObv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII, Radiate head of Titus, right
Rev: SALVS AVG / S C (in exergue); Salus seated left, with patera
AE/Dupondius (28.30 mm 14.33 g 6h) Struck in Rome 80-81 A.D.
RIC 203 (C), BMCRE 196, BNF 197
ex ACR Auctions E-Auction 32 lot 755
2 commentsFlaviusDomitianus
titus ceres rev.JPG
RIC 022 TitusAR Denarius, 3.31g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Ceres, draped, seated l., holding corn-ear and poppy in extended r. hand and torch upright in l.
RIC 22 (C). BMC 7. RSC 270. BNC 7.
Acquired from York Coins, January 2005.

A reverse that is a continuation from Vespasian's coinage. I imagine it took the the die-engravers a few months to design new reverses for Titus.

A solid coin with a lovely portrait.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
T23.JPG
RIC 023 TitusAR Denarius, 3.00g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Ceres std. l., with corn ears and poppy and torch
RIC 23 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, May 2016.

This is the second known specimen of an extremely rare portrait left Ceres type. The only other known specimen was in the Harry Sneh collection and was sold in the Gemini IX sale, 8 January, lot 333 (RIC plate coin). My coin shares an obverse die. It's not often that a second specimen of a unique Flavian type turns up, especially for Titus!

Nicely toned with good eye appeal despite the wear and a few scratches.
7 commentsDavid Atherton
RIC_231_Titus.jpg
RIC 0231 TitusObv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII, Laureate head of Titus, right
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI / S - C (in field); Pax standing left with caduceus and branch
AE/As (27.28 mm 13.378 g 6h) Struck in Rome 80-81 A.D. (2nd group)
RIC 231 (R3), BMCRE-BNF unlisted
ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger Auktion 317 lot 2026
1 commentsFlaviusDomitianus
titus53.jpg
RIC 025 TitusAR Denarius, 3.30g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Slow quadriga l., with round basket-like car, garlanded, in which are three corn ears
RIC 25 (C). BMC 18. RSC 278. BNC 15.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, May 2006.

A Titus Caesar carry-over quadriga reverse from Vespasian's last denarius issue, here struck for Titus as Augustus. Probably a stop-gap issue until new reverse designs were produced by the mint. BMCRE states this type is borrowed from the coinage of L. Aquillius and M. Durmius, monyers under Augustus. It depicts the procession of the calathus of Ceres.

Not the best example of this type by a long shot, but a nice well centered denarius that has been through many Roman hands. I quite like it.
David Atherton
tituslquadriga1.jpg
RIC 026 TitusAR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Quadriga l., with corn ears
RIC 26 (R2). BMC p. 432. RSC 278a. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

A unique variety for Titus as Augustus combining a left obverse portrait with the quadriga reverse type. Extremely rare.

A decent 'bull-necked' portrait.

1 commentsDavid Atherton
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