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LOUIS_XIV_Louvre.JPG
Louis XIV and Marie-Thérèse, AE (Copper) Jeton struck c.1667Obverse: +LVD•XIIII•ET•MAR•THER•D•G•FRA•ET•NAV•REX•ET•REG. Busts of Louis XIV and Marie Therese facing one another. To the left, draped and laureate bust of Louis XVI facing right. To the right, draped bust of Marie Therese facing left, small crown on the back of her head.
Reverse: MAIESTATI•AC•AETERNIT•GALL•IMPERII•SACRVM+. Front view of the new Louvre Palace in Paris.
Diameter: 27.5mm | Weight: 5.7gms | Die Axis: 6
Ref. Feuardent: 13082

Struck at indeterminate mint, possibly Lisse, Netherlands
Engraved by Jean Varin or faithfully copied from his dies


The site of the Louvre was originally a fortress, built in the middle ages by King Philippe-Auguste (1165-1223). Between 1364 and 1380, Charles V (1338-1380) undertook work on this building to transform it into a castle, turning the old fort into a comfortable residence.
François I (1494-1547), known as the sovereign of the Renaissance, demolished the castle begun by Charles V and rebuilt it as the Louvre Palace and Catherine de Medici (1519-1589) had the Tuileries Palace built alongside.
Then King Henri IV (1553-1610), began further modernisations and had a large gallery built between the Louvre Palace and Tuileries Palace to facilitate movement between the seat of power and his apartments. The modernisation work begun by Henri IV was not completed until the reign of Louis XIV, and it is this that is commemorated on this jeton. It was Louis XIV who, before moving on to his work at Versailles, entrusted the development of the gardens to André Le Nôtre. But when the court of the Sun King moved to his new Palace of Versailles the Louvre Palace became somewhat run down and was occupied by a variety of intellectuals and artists who took up residence there.
*Alex
kyHWAyT.jpg
UNITED STATES, Hard Times. Political issues.
CU Token (28.5mm, 8.53 g, 12h). Belleville (New Jersey) mint. Dated 1838.
AM I NOT A WOMAN & A SISTER, hained female slave kneeling right, raising arms in supplication; * 1838 * below UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY/ 1838 within wreath
Rulau HT 81; Low 54

Ex Album 33 (17 January 2019), lot 2542

June 1900 saw a brief flurry of journalistic interest in the "Am I Not A Woman & A Sister" tokens. A specimen had been found in a garden in Indiana, apparently in one of the many towns that claim a connection to the Underground Railroad, and received a glowing and fanciful write up in the local newspaper. The paper claimed that it was a "Talisman of Slavery," and used as a token to ensure safe passage along the escaped slave's route, and that it was a very rare piece. The following week a newspaper in Maine recorded that a local collector had another example, again drawing a purported connection to the Underground Railroad. Astutely, the July 1900 edition of the American Journal of Numismatics pointed out that, while an isolated use like this was possible, it was not what the tokens were originally intended for.
Ardatirion
1188_P_Hadrian_RPC--.jpg
1550B MYSIA. Lampsacus Hadrian, Priapus RPC III, 1550B 1550 Trajan; same SNG France 1272; BMC Mysia -, SNG BnF -, SNG Cop

Obv. AΔIANOC KAICAP
Laureate and cuirassed bust of Hadrian right

Rev. ΛΑΜΨΑΚΗΝωΝ
ithyphallic Priapus standing left, right hand raised, left hand on hip

1.55 gr
15 mm
6h

Note.
Priapus or Priapos was a minor rustic fertility god, protector of livestock, fruit plants, gardens and male genitalia. Priapus is marked by his absurdly oversized permanent erection, which gave rise to the medical term priapism. He became a popular figure in Roman erotic art and Latin literature, and is the subject of the often humorously obscene collection of verse called the Priapeia. Statues of Priapus were sometimes placed on boundaries and hung with signs which threatened sexual assault on trespassers.
FORVM coin
okidoki
1677_-_Nantes.JPG
1677 - mairie de Nantes
cuivre
5,70g
21,5mm
mairie de Charles-CĂ©sar Chevalier, sieur du Bois-Chevalier
DEPOSITIVM. SERVANT
"Ils gardent le dépôt confié"
Écu couronné aux armes de Charles-César Chevalier (De gueules à trois clefs d'or, posées en pals 2. 1. à la bordure cousue d'azur.) et soutenu par deux lévriers, au-dessus banderole inscrite
LE. PRESIDENT. CHEVALLIER. MAIRE. DE. NANTES
Ă  l'exergue : .1677.
Le vaisseau Nantais voguant à droite. Au chef chargé de cinq hermines
PYL
1797_Middlesex_buck_Halfpenny.JPG
1797 AE Halfpenny, London, Middlesex.Obverse: FREEDOM WITH INNOCENCE. Proud stag with large antlers, walking to left.
Reverse: * * RULE BRITANIA (sic) * *. Britannia seated facing left on globe, shield at her side, holding spear in her left hand and branch in her right; 1797 in exergue.
Edge: Incuse legend “PAYABLE IN LONDON” the remainder engrailed.
Diameter: 29mm
Dalton & Hamer:1042 (Middlesex)
SCARCE

Dies engraved by Thomas Willets and manufactured by William Lutwyche or Peter Kempson in Birmingham.
This token, one of the 18th century Political and Social Series of tokens, was likely struck for the use of the “Buck Society” in London.


The Buck Society was made up of eleven united lodges in London and three affiliates in Moorgate, Hatton Garden and Doctor’s Commons. It was one of the many debating societies that emerged in London during the eighteenth century, and were a prominent fixture of society until the end of that century. The origins of the debating societies are not certain, but, while there were comparable societies in other British cities, London was home to the largest number of them throughout the eighteenth century. The debating societies welcomed participants from both genders and all social backgrounds, making them one of the best examples of the enlarged public sphere of the Age of Enlightenment. However, the increasingly radical political environment, created in large part by the French Revolution in 1789, lead to the tightening of government restrictions and most of the debating societies went inactive when, following the local sedition trials of 1792 and 1793, William Pitt the Younger initiated the 1794 Treason Trials, and the 1795 Seditious Meetings Act.
*Alex
1812_HULL_LEAD_WORKS_PENNY.JPG
1812 AE Penny Token. Hull, Yorkshire.Obverse: No legend. View of Hull lead works with smoking chimneys in background; 1812 in exergue.
Reverse: PAYABLE IN BANK OF ENG.D OR HULL NOTES BY I.K.PICARD • around ONE PENNY / HULL / LEAD / WORKS in four lines with ornament below.
Edge: Grained.
Diameter 34mm | Die Axis 7
Davis: 82

The dies for this token were engraved by Thomas Halliday and it was manufactured by Edward Thomason.
The token was issued by John Kirby Picard, who had practised as an attorney-at-law in Trinity House-lane, become a barrister and been chosen as a Deputy-Recorder of Hull before he entered into the lead business of his father. He was a man of considerable wealth and frequently visited London on business and for pleasure. He mixed with the 'high' society of the period but became addicted to gambling. Picard used his tokens for the gambling parties he held in his house and after they gained the attention of the Prince Regent, the later George IV, he was invited to show them at court.
No mention of Picard has been found in any of the London Directories, but the 'London Gazette', on February 13th, 1827, announced that J. K. Pickard (sic), white lead merchant, Russell Street, Covent Garden, had been declared bankrupt. Picard died in reduced circumstances in 1843.


The legend “PAYABLE IN BANK OF ENGLAND NOTES” was placed on this token due to an Act of Parliament which was passed in 1809 requiring issuers of local tokens to meet claims for repayment in Bank of England notes. The government having seen the widespread use of private coinage in the form of tokens realised how much money was not being controlled by it, so by passing this act it effectively made these tokens into defacto currency.
*Alex
coins123.JPG
202a. PlautillaVenus

The Roman goddess of love and beauty, but originally a vegetation goddess and patroness of gardens and vineyards. Later, under Greek influence, she was equated with Aphrodite and assumed many of her aspects. Her cult originated from Ardea and Lavinium in Latium. The oldest temple known of Venus dates back to 293 BCE, and was inaugurated on August 18. Later, on this date the Vinalia Rustica was observed. A second festival, that of the Veneralia, was celebrated on April 1 in honor of Venus Verticordia, who later became the protector against vice. Her temple was built in 114 BCE. After the Roman defeat near Lake Trasum in 215 BCE, a temple was built on the Capitol for Venus Erycina. This temple was officially opened on April 23, and a festival, the Vinalia Priora, was instituted to celebrate the occasion.

Venus is the daughter of Jupiter, and some of her lovers include Mars and Vulcan, modeled on the affairs of Aphrodite. Venus' importance rose, and that of her cult, through the influence of several Roman political leaders. The dictator Sulla made her his patroness, and both Julius Caesar and the emperor Augustus named her the ancestor of their (Julian) family: the 'gens Julia' was Aeneas, son of Venus and the mortal Anchises. Ceasar introduced the cult of Venus Genetrix, the goddess of motherhood and marriage, and built a temple for her in 46 BCE. She was also honored in the temple of Mars Ultor. The last great temple of Venus was built by the emperor Hadrianus near the Colusseum in 135 CE.

Roman statues and portraits of Venus are usually identical to the Greek representations of Aphrodite.

AR Denarius. PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / VENVS VICTRIX, Venus standing left holding apple & palm, leaning on shield, Cupid at her feet. RSC 25.
ecoli
423-1_Servilia2.jpg
423/1. Servilia - denarius (57 BC)AR Denarius (Rome, 57 BC)
O/ Head of Flora right; lituus behind; FLORAL PRIMVS before.
R/ Two soldiers facing each other and presenting swords; C SERVEIL in exergue; C F upwards on right.
3.87g; 18mm
Crawford 423/1 (99 obverse dies/110 reverse dies)
- ROMA Numismatics, E-Sale 42, lot 484.
- Artemide Aste, 11-12 June 2016, lot 253.

* Gaius Servilius C.f. (Brocchus?):

The gens Servilia was originally patrician, but our moneyer was most likely a plebeian because at this time, the only remaining patrician branch of the gens was the Caepiones. The Servilii Gemini, likewise patricians at first, lost their status during the Second Punic War for an unknown reason and their descendants had erratic cognomina, making it difficult to reconstruct the genealogical tree of the gens. The one given by Crawford for RRC 239 is dubious, although possible.

Crawford also says that our moneyer was perhaps a brother of Marcus Servilius C.f., Tribune of the Plebs in 43 BC. He was possibly the Gaius Servilius Brocchus, son of Gaius, mentioned as Military Tribune by Flavius Josephus (Jewish Antiquities, xiv. 229), who tells that he served under the Consul L. Cornelius Lentulus Crus in Asia. It would match a career started in the 50, during which the Pompeian party was dominating, and continued as Pompey's supporter during the Civil War.

The meaning of his denarius has been debated. According to Crawford, the obverse legend refers to the priesthood of Flora, probably held by the gens, contradicting the view of Mommsen, who thought it was celebrating the establishment of the Ludi Florales in 173. This view has been in turn challenged by Robert Palmer, but without giving an explanation of his own*. It should also be mentioned that Pliny the Elder tells that there were statues of Flora, Triptolemus and Ceres by Praxiteles in the "Servilian gardens" (Natural History, xxxvi. 4), which obviously belonged to the gens, showing that Flora was of special importance for the Servilii.

The reverse reuses a common theme on Servilii's denarii: the duels of Marcus Servilius Pulex Geminus, Consul in 202, who was famous for his 23 victories in single combats (Plutarch, Aemilius Paullus, 31). The scene was depicted with variations on RRC 264 (horseback duel), RRC 327 (duel on foot), and RRC 370 (rider charging). It is also possible that RRC 239 shows another duel on horse, but disguised as the Dioscuri riding apart. The fact that our moneyer used this theme links him to the other direct descendants of Servilius Pulex Geminus, thus supporting Crawford's theory that he was a grandchild of Gaius Servilius, Praetor in 102.

* "Flora and the Sybil", in Ten Years of the Agnes Kirsopp Lake Michels Lectures at Bryn Mawr College, edited by Suzanne B. Faris, Lesley E. Lundeen, Bryn Mawr, 2006, pp. 58-70.
3 commentsJoss
AlexanderSidonStater.jpg
Alexander III Athena / Nike AV StaterKINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III â€the Great’. 336-323 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.65 g, 11h). Sidon mint. Struck under Menes. Dated RY 7 of Abdalonymos (327/6 BC).
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent, and necklace
R: AΛEΞANΔPOY, Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; palm frond and date (in Phoenician) to left, ΣI below left wing.

- Price 3482; Newell, Dated 21 (dies –/α [unlisted obv. die]); Rouvier 1171; DCA 867. From the rare, earliest issue of dated Sidon staters.

Abdalonymos was a gardener, but of royal descent, who was made king of Sidon by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. After Alexander the Great had Sidon under siege, he gave permission to Hephaestion to bestow its crown on whom he pleased. Hephaestion offered it to two brothers with whom he lodged, but they thankfully declined it, alleging that according to their local laws, it could only be worn by one of royal blood. Being desired to point out such a person, they named Abdalonymos - the gardener, who, notwithstanding his birth, had fallen into such poverty, that he supported himself by the cultivation of a kitchen garden.
Hephaestion directed the brothers to carry the royal crown and robes to Abdalonymos. They obeyed, and found him weeding in his garden. After causing him to wash, they invested him with the ensigns of royalty, and conducted him to Alexander. This prince, who discerned in him an aspect not unworthy of his origin, turning to those around him and said 'I wish to know how he bore his poverty.'-'Would to heaven,' replied Abdalonymos, 'I may as well bear my prosperity! These hands have ministered to all my necessities; and as I possessed nothing, I wanted nothing'. Alexander was so well pleased with this reply, that he confirmed the nomination of Hephaestion, and gave the new king the palace and private estate of Strato his predecessor, and even augmented his dominions from the neighbouring country.
5 commentsNemonater
D-027-F10870-c.jpg
Anne Marie Louise d'Orleans (1650-1693), Jeton - 1635/1637Atelier de Trévoux
. TOT SEDES VNICA FIRMAT . Une grenade couronnée entre deux branches de laurier
("Une seule couronne affermit tant de trĂ´nes"). A l'exergue : . 1635 .
VBI FIDES IBI AMOR Une Foi tenant deux palmes et deux colombes qui se regardent. En dessous, un berger assis à gauche et son chien ("Là où est la Foi, là est l'amour"). A l’exergue .1637.
7.45 gr
Ref : F.10870
Potator II
AUS_Abrahams_1-2d.jpg
Australia, Tasmania: Lewis AbrahamsAndrews 2, Renniks 2, Grey 2, KM Tn6

½ penny token , copper; dated 1855 and minted by Heaton and Sons of Birmingham, England. 27.5 mm., 0°

Obv.: LEWIS ABRAHAMS / DRAPER / LIVERPOOL STREET / HOBART TOWN

Rev.: Emu facing right and kangaroo facing left, TASMANIA above and 1855 BELOW

Although there is no listing in the Archives Office of Tasmania Pioneer's Database for a Lewis Abrahams, records show that he occupied a house and garden at 19 Bathurst Street in Hobart Town in 1835, and was then in partnership with a certain H.C. Davis in a shop at 102 Liverpool Street. This token indicates that in 1855 he was operating without Davis as a draper on Liverpool Street. It appears that Davis withdrew from the partnership and Abrahams carried on alone.

Abrahams is listed as a contributor to the fund for the construction of the Hobart Synagogue in 1844-1845, and as a “seatholder” (financial member) of the Hobart Hebrew Congregation for some time during the period 1852-1877. He was married in the Hobart Synagogue in December 1855. He died in Hobart in 1860.

Renniks rarity R1 (most frequently seen)
Stkp
WangMang2.jpg
China: Han Interregnum, Usurper Wang Mang, 7-22 A.D.China: Han Interregnum, Usurper Wang Mang, 7-22 A.D. AE24 mm, Cash. Obv: Huo Chuan. Schjoth-165.

"As soon as his [Wang Mang's] power was sufficiently consolidated, 3 years after his return to court, lists of his political opponents were drawn up, and hundreds were executed. Shortly after this he established a new penal colony in Tibet in the far West, a sort of ancient gulag. Unfortunately we have no direct account as to the nature of the crimes of those exiled to Tibet. In 6 AD the reins of power were still more firmly in his grasp, and Mang ordered his first reform of the coinage. Fundamentally this was a stratagem to nationalize the gold stocks, and put the empire back on a copper standard. Gold was requisitioned and exchanged against very high value bronze tokens. Two years later the tokens were demonetized. The cash assets of the aristocracy and the wealthy merchants must have been largely wiped out overnight. It is in the first couple of years of Mang's independent reign that the astonishing breadth of his reform proposals appear. His reforms include:

1) the abolition of slavery.
2) the nationalization of land.
3) standard plots of arable land for all adult males who wished to work them.
4) farming families grouped in hamlets of 6 or 8, with a common tax assessment.
5) a national bank offering fair rates of interest to all.
6) government market activity to counteract cornering and monopolization.
7) a new currency system in 15 denominations - circulating by government fiat.
8) defeat of the Huns

His new taxes include

taxes to be paid in cash or kind on cultivated land (one tenth)

triple rates to be paid on uncultivated land (parks and gardens etc.)

c) all self-employed or professional people outside farming shall register for income tax, which will be universally levied at 10% per annum. Those avoiding registration, or submitting false accounts to be sentenced to one years hard labour.

d) the state monopolies on iron, salt, silk, cloth and coinage to be retained

e) a new state monopoly on wine to be introduced.

Discussion of the proposals

1) Events in his private life show Mang's abhorrence of slavery. He vilified the political system of the legalists, established in the Chin dynasty (221-206 BC) specifically by alluding to the manner in which they established market places for male and female slaves, "putting human beings in auction pens as if they were cattle."

Reforms 2, 3, 5 & 6) The nationalization of land and its distribution amongst the peasant farmers themselves is of course one solution to the central economic problem in all pre-modern civilizations, (which presumably finds its roots in the bronze age and persisting right down to the machine age). Peasants must have security of tenure and just returns for their labour, otherwise they will not be encouraged to work effectively - and the state and all within it will thereby be impoverished. However if they are made private landowners then clever, unscrupulous, hard-working individuals within and outwith the peasantry will begin to gain land at the expense of their neighbours. The chief mechanisms of this gradual monopolization of the land by a class of people distinguished by their wealth are:

Preying upon private 'misfortune', (illness, death, and marriage expenses) by loansharking.
Preying upon public misfortunes (bad harvests) by loansharking.
Creating shortages by rigging the markets, exacerbating private and public misfortunes, and then loansharking.

Unfairly biasing tax assessments, creating and exacerbating private and public misfortunes, and then loansharking.

The end result of this tendency is likely to be that the bulk of farmers lack security of tenure and or just returns, and cease to work effectively, to the impoverishment of all. Reforms 2, 3 & 5 bear on this problem in an obvious way.

Reform 6 - the "Five Equalizations" is a little more complicated, so I shall explain it at greater length. Fundamentally it required the installation of government officials at the five important markets of the empire who would "buy things when they were cheap and sell them when they were dear." In more detail: "The superintendent of the market, in the second month of each of the four seasons, shall determine the true price of the articles under their responsibility, and shall establish high, middle and low prices for each type of item. When there are unsold goods on the market, the superintendent shall buy them up at the cost (low?) price. When goods become expensive (ie exceed the high price?) the superintendent shall intervene to sell goods from the official store (and thereby reduce the price)." The regulation thus allows markets to operate, but provides for state intervention to stop speculation . . . Mang's regulations allow for a review and revision of the trading bands four times a year.

4). In resettling the people securely on the land, Mang choose to group them into "chings" of 6 or 8 families - attempting to restore the traditional "well field" system. This provided for the regular exchange of land between the families, to give all a go at the best ground, and for joint responsibility for a common tax demand. The ching system was believed, by the Confucian party in the 1st century BC at least, to have been destroyed by the growth of mercantilist exploitation under the Chin legalists. There are hints that the state went on to use the ching structure in crime prevention measures, by making all members of the ching culpable for the unreported crime of any single member. The installation of a land nationalization scheme under the banner of a return to the ancient Chou system of 'chings' had a great deal of propaganda value amongst the Confucian elite which surrounded Mang. A sentimental view of rural working class life seems to be a common weakness amongst aristocratic and middle class intellectuals of all periods. Mang's own observations of the labouring poor would necessarily have been made at a distance - perhaps he too shared in this sentimental myopia. The evidence suggests that the peasantry did not welcome this aspect of the reforms

7) Food was the first concern of Confucian government, but coinage was the second. Only fair prices could encourage the farmers. Only markets could create fair prices. Only with coins could markets exist. Mang introduced a rational set of 15 denominations of coin, valued from 1 to 1,000 cash and circulated by government fiat. Mang did not invent the idea of fiat or fiduciary currency, a brief attempt had been made to circulate one in China a century earlier. However Mang was the first to systematically think through the matter in a practical context, and to apply it over a protracted period. Future successful ancient and medieval experiments with fiat currency, first in China, then in Japan and Central Asia, and unsuccessful ones in medieval India and Persia all looked back - directly or indirectly - to Mang. The first successful fully fiduciary currencies in Europe are products of the 20th century, more than 700 years after Europeans became aware of Chinese practices. (I am neglecting a great deal of late Roman copper coin here of course. I am by no means knowledgeable on such coins, but my understanding is that in principle, if not in practice, Rome was generally on the silver or the gold standard, and copper was exchangeable on demand.) On my own reading of the text, Mang's main concern is to get gold and silver off the market, so they could not be used to bid his tokens down - his coinage was intended to replace gold coinage, not supplement it."--Robert Tye

For a more complete study of Wang Mang, see Robert Tye's compositon about this enigmatic leader at http://www.anythinganywhere.com/info/tye/Wang%20Mang.htm
Cleisthenes
Middlesex_522a.jpg
Conder Token: Middlesex 522aObv: ST. PAULS COVENT GARDEN, a view of a church, JAMES below, LONDON in exergue.

Rev: DESTROY’D, BY, FIRE, SEPR: 17TH, a view of the same church in ruins, 1795 in exergue.

Edge: Milled

Half Penny Conder Token

Dalton & Hamer: Middlesex Skidmore's 522a
1 commentsMatt Inglima
Middlesex_1083.jpg
Conder Token: Thomas Spence, Middlesex 1083Obv: MAN OVER MAN HE MADE NOT LORD, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, C. JAMES . F. in exergue.

Rev: PIGS MEAT PUBLISHED BY T. SPENCE LONDON, A pig trampling on a crown, crosier and staff; a radiate cap of liberty above.

Edge: Plain

Thomas Spence, Farthing Conder token

Dalton & Hamer: Middlesex 1083
Matt Inglima
w4~0.JPG
Constantinople CONSSConstantine had altogether more ambitious plans. Having restored the unity of the empire, now overseeing the progress of major governmental reforms and sponsoring the consolidation of the Christian church, Constantine was well aware that Rome had become an unsatisfactory capital for several reasons. Located in central Italy, Rome lay too far from the eastern imperial frontiers, and hence also from the legions and the Imperial courts. Moreover, Rome offered an undesirable playground for disaffected politicians; it also suffered regularly from flooding and from malaria.

It seemed impossible to many that the capital could be moved. Nevertheless, Constantine identified the site of Byzantium as the correct place: a city where an emperor could sit, readily defended, with easy access to the Danube or the Euphrates frontiers, his court supplied from the rich gardens and sophisticated workshops of Roman Asia, his treasuries filled by the wealthiest provinces of the empire.

Constantine laid out the expanded city, dividing it into 14 regions, and ornamenting it with great public works worthy of a great imperial city. Yet initially Constantinople did not have all the dignities of Rome, possessing a proconsul, rather than a prefect of the city. Furthermore, it had no praetors, tribunes or quaestors. Although Constantinople did have senators, they held the title clarus, not clarissimus, like those of Rome. Constantinople also lacked the panoply of other administrative offices regulating the food supply, police, statues, temples, sewers, aqueducts or other public works. The new program of building was carried out in great haste: columns, marbles, doors and tiles were taken wholesale from the temples of the empire and moved to the new city. Similarly, many of the greatest works of Greek and Roman art were soon to be seen in its squares and streets. The emperor stimulated private building by promising householders gifts of land from the imperial estates in Asiana and Pontica, and on 18 May 332 he announced that, as in Rome, free distributions of food would be made to citizens. At the time the amount is said to have been 80,000 rations a day, doled out from 117 distribution points around the city.

Constantinople was a Greek Orthodox Christian city, lying in the most Christianised part of the Empire. Justinian ordered the pagan temples of Byzantium to be deconstructed, and erected the splendid Church of the Holy Wisdom, Sancta Sophia (also known as Hagia Sophia in Greek), as the centrepiece of his Christian capital. He oversaw also the building of the Church of the Holy Apostles, and that of Hagia Irene.

Constantine laid out anew the square at the middle of old Byzantium, naming it the Augusteum. Sancta Sophia lay on the north side of the Augusteum. The new senate-house (or Curia) was housed in a basilica on the east side. On the south side of the great square was erected the Great Palace of the emperor with its imposing entrance, the Chalke, and its ceremonial suite known as the Palace of Daphne. Located immediately nearby was the vast Hippodrome for chariot-races, seating over 80,000 spectators, and the Baths of Zeuxippus (both originally built in the time of Septimius Severus). At the entrance at the western end of the Augusteum was the Milion, a vaulted monument from which distances were measured across the Eastern Empire.

From the Augusteum a great street, the Mese, led, lined with colonnades. As it descended the First Hill of the city and climbed the Second Hill, it passed on the left the Praetorium or law-court. Then it passed through the oval Forum of Constantine where there was a second senate-house, then on and through the Forum of Taurus and then the Forum of Bous, and finally up the Sixth Hill and through to the Golden Gate on the Propontis. The Mese would be seven Roman miles long to the Golden Gate of the Walls of Theodosius.

Constantine erected a high column in the middle of the Forum, on the Second Hill, with a statue of himself at the top, crowned with a halo of seven rays and looking towards the rising sun.

RIC VII Constantinople 61 C1
ecoli
alexandria_gallienus_Dattari5288.jpg
Egypt, Alexandria, Gallienus, Dattari 5288Egypt, Alexandria, Gallienus, AD 253-268
AE - Tetradrachm, 22mm
struck AD 266/267 (year 13)
obv. AVT KP LIK GALLIHNOC CEB
Bust, bearded, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. Eagle, advancing r., holding wreath in beak, palmbranch behind
in l. and r. field L - I Gamma (year 13)
ref. Dattari 5288; Emmett 3806; Milne 4119f.; Geissen 2928; SNG Copenhagen 789; 2236
VF+
Pedigree:
ex. Sayles & Lavender
ex Boston Museum of Fine Arts Art. 88.198 (acquired in 1888!)
ex coll. Benjamin Pierce Cheney

Benjamin Pierce Cheney (1815-1895) was an American businessman, director of Wells Fargo and a founder of the firm that became American Express. He was born as son of a blacksmith and he began working in his father's shop at age 10. In 1831 he started work as a stagecoach driver. With a reputation for honesty and reliability, he was frequently entrusted with large sums of money destined for banks on his route. Cheney was elected a director of Wells Fargo in 1854. Cheney sold United States & Canada Express in 1879 to American Express, at which time he became the company's largest shareholder as well as treasurer and a director. Cheney amassed a fortune estimated at $10,000,000.

He was widely social engaged. He donated $50,000 to Dartmouth College. He also helped develop the eastern part of Washington state with a railroad line. As a result, Cheney, Washington, is named in his honor, where he helped establish a school later evolved into Eastern Washington University. Cheney's estate in Wellesley, Massachusetts, has since become the Elm Bank Horticulture Center. He retired to this property on the Charles River in his last years and occupied himself with beautifying the land with conservatories and gardens

Cheney was a member of the New England Historic and Genealogical Society. In 1888 hedonated his big coin collection to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
Jochen
France_370_Nimes_Jardins_de_la_Fontaine.JPG
France, Nimes - Jardins de la FontaineDecorated with vases and statues, the Jardins de la Fontaine count as one of the major public gardens in Europe. They were laid out in the eighteenth century on the site of the ancient spring, an area that includes the Tour Magne and the Temple of Diana.vacationchick
France_368_Nimes_Jardins_de_la_Fontaine.JPG
France, Nimes - Jardins de la FontaineDecorated with vases and statues, the Jardins de la Fontaine count as one of the major public gardens in Europe. They were laid out in the eighteenth century on the site of the ancient spring, an area that includes the Tour Magne and the Temple of Diana.vacationchick
France_371_Nimes_Jardins_de_la_Fontaine.JPG
France, Nimes - Jardins de la FontaineDecorated with vases and statues, the Jardins de la Fontaine count as one of the major public gardens in Europe. They were laid out in the eighteenth century on the site of the ancient spring, an area that includes the Tour Magne and the Temple of Diana.vacationchick
Dyrrachion~0.jpg
GREEK, Illyria, Dyrrachion. AR StaterCirca 340-280 BC (21mm, 10.71 g, 4h). Maier 23 var. (lizard on rev.); Meadows, Coin Hoard (forthcoming) 175 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 17 var. (same). Obverse Cow standing right, looking back at suckling calf standing left below; above, wasp right. Reverse Double stellate pattern, divided by line, in double linear square border (single on one side); DYP retrograde, club below; all within linear circle border. Good VF, bright surfaces, some porosity. Well centered. Very rare.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 93rd Printed Auction, lot 190.

Dyrrhachion was founded as Epidamnos in the ancient region of Illyria in 627 BC by ancient Greek colonists from Corinth and Korkyra. The city's geographical position was highly advantageous, as it was situated around a natural rocky harbor which was surrounded by inland swamps and high cliffs on the seaward side, making the city very difficult to attack from either land or sea. The city, together with Corinth’s conflict with Korkyra was one of the causes in precipitating the Peloponnesian War. Dyrrhachion was noted for being a politically advanced society, prompting Aristotle to praise its political system in controlling trade between the Greek colonists and the locals. The Romans prefer calling the city Dyrrhacium since the last two syllables of the city’s name “–damnos” connotes a different meaning and inauspicious to Roman ears. The designs of the staters of Korkyra as well as its colonies, Apollonia and Dyrrhachion, have been the subject of much numismatic speculation. Eckhel (Doctrina numorum veterum [Vienna, 1792/3], II:155) accepted the view of Laurentius Beger (Observationes Et Conjecturae In Numismata Quaedam Antiqua [Brandenburg, 1691]), who argued that the design represented the garden of Alkinöos, the mythical king of Phaiakia, described in detail by the poet Homer (Od. 7.112-133). Based on the assumption that mythical Phaiakia was the island of ancient Korkyra (mod. Corfu), and knowing that Korkyrans colonized both Apollonia and Dyrrhachion, Beger (and through him, Eckhel) concluded that the central elements were flowers and that the overall design must represent either the layout of the garden, or the doors leading to it. Other numismatists argued that the central elements of the design were more star-like. While Böckh and Müller (in P. Gardner, "Floral patterns on Archaic Greek coins," NC 1881, p. 1) felt this to be the case, they considered the elements to be nothing more than a fortuitous series of random strokes. Friedlander and von Sallet (Das königliche Münzkabinett [Berlin, 1877], coins 72-75) viewed them as symbols of the Dioskouri. Proponents of either interpretation continue to argue their views (see Alfred Maier, "Die Silberprägung von Apollonia und Dyrrhachion," NZ 41 [1908], p. 2 and note 4 [garden]; Traité, Part II, Volume I, column 931 [garden]; Michael E. Marotta, "Dyrrachium: Rome's doorway to Greece," Celator [April 1997], pp. 6-7 [garden]; Gyula Petrányi, “Gardens of Alkinoos: Fact or Fiction?” on the reverse pattern of the silver coins from Corcyra, Apollonia and Dyrrachium," Celator [November 1998], pp. 22-24 [Dioskouroi]). Gardner (op. cit.) was convinced that the reverse design had a religious meaning, but was unconvinced that the symbols were either a garden layout, or stars. Instead, he favored a floral interpretation. He argued that this was indicated not only by their general shape, but in some particular instances by an intentional modification to make them appear more floral. Noting a similarity between the reverse types of Korkyran staters – the model for the staters of Apollonia and Dyrrhachion – and those of other Greek city-states, most notably Miletos and Kyrene, he argued that this was due to a common religious cult between them, since he believed that Greek coin types were primarily religious in origin. Arguing that the most probable deity was Apollo, Gardner concluded that the reference was to Apollo Aristaios or Nomios, a pastoral version of that god who was worshiped (among other places) both at Kyrene and throughout northern Greece and was known to be the protectors of flocks (cf. Pind. Pyth. 9.64-65). Most recently, Nicolet-Pierre revisited the issue of the reverse design in her article on the archaic coinage of Korkyra ("À props du monnayage archaïque de Corcyre," SNR 88 (2009), pp. 2-3), and offered a novel interpretation. Noting a passage of Thucydides (3.70.4) in which that author cited the existence on the island of a sacred precinct (temenos) and dedicated to Zeus and Alkinöos, she suggested that the reverse design might have been inspired by this, and not Homer's garden of Alkinöos. Since Apollonia and Dyrrhachion, as colonies of Korkyra, employed that island's designs in their own coinage, it is necessary to explain why Korkyra used such symbols on its coinage. The archaic staters of Korkyra were the first issues to employ a cow standing right (or left), suckling its calf on the obverse. (BMC 1-8 [for cow right]; BMC 9-16 [for cow left]). A similar obverse design appears on the coinage of Karystos in Euboia and, according to Plutarch (Quaest. Graec.), Korkyra was settled by Euboians, whose coinage symbol was a bovine. Several dedications in the form of a bronze bull are attested for the Korkyrans and the island's patron god was Apollo. The reverse design of the archaic staters consists of a pair of incuse punches, consisting of stars (BMC 1 and pl. XXI, 1). That the symbol was a star is certain, as fractions of this series and subsequent issues with a star on the obverse make plain. One stater (BMC 10 and pl. XXI, 2), puts the star design in a more abstract arrangement, becoming the precursor of the reverse design type employed in later stater issues (BMC 39 and pl. XXI, 9). The striking lines formed by the incuse punches are retained in the later design as lines of the frame. Thus, the staters of Apollonia, Dyrhachion, and Korkyra demonstrate a meticulous progressive recopying of an archaic coin type that continued under its colonies, and not an allusion to a possible Homeric past.


Jason T
Hephthalite_Göbl-67.jpg
Hephthalite: Khingila (440-490) AR Drachm (Göbl-67)Obv: Straight-back bust, rising above the garden, flames emerging from both shoulders, single ribbon behind, rising; Brahmi legend above
Rev: Remnants of Fire altar and attendants design
Quant.Geek
HOLLAND_DUIT_1780.jpg
HOLLAND HOLLAND -- Copper Duit, 1780. Obv.: Standing lion left, holding spear, in enclosed "Dutch" Garden. Rev.: Rosette flanked by bezants; HOL / LAN / DIA. / 1780 Reference: KM #80.dpaul7
Illyrium_Epidamnos-Dyrrhachium_Maier_301_bg.jpg
Illyria, Epidamnos-Dyrrhachium. AR Victoriatus or drachm Epidamnos-Dyrrhachium. c. 229-100 BC. AR Victoriatus or drachm (3.20 gm, 18mm, 9h). Cow right with suckling calf. ΑΛΚΩΝ (Magistrate) above. / Double stellate pattern in square, 'Alkinoo's Garden.' ΔΥΡ (ethnic) - ΜΕΝΕ-ΚΡΑ-ΤΕΟΣ (magistrate) around. VF. HGC 3.1 #40; Maier Silberpragung #301. cf. SNG Cop 3 #480 (tripod), #499 (half victoriatus). None in acsearch.info.
Anaximander
Illyrium_Epidamnos-Dyrrhachium_Maier_388_bg.jpg
Illyria, Epidamnos-Dyrrhachium. Victoriatus.Epidamnos-Dyrrhachium. c. 229-100 BC. AR Victoriatus or drachm (2.78 gm, 18.6mm, 9h). Cow right with suckling calf. ΞΕΝΩΝ (Magistrate Xenon) & eagle above, vestiges of running dog r. in ex. / Double stellate pattern in double-lined quadrilateral square, 'Alkinoo's Garden' ΔΥΡ-ΦΙΛΟ-ΔΑ-ΜΟΥ (magistrate Philodamos) around. aVF. BMC p.74 #131-132; HGC 3.1 #40; Maier Silberpragung #388. cf. SNG Cop 495 (dog in ex.).
Anaximander
Herodion_from_below.JPG
Israel, HerodionThe Herodion (Har Hordos) was Herod the Great’s summer palace near Jerusalem and – according to Josephus – the place of his burial. (A possible royal sarcophagus was discovered in 2007 but the identification with Herod is not certain.) There are two distinct parts: the Upper Herodion, a fortress complex set within a mountain top, and the Lower Herodion, the palace proper with several ancillary buildings (bath house, stadium, etc.) In the photograph, the Upper Herodion hill dominates the background, while the foreground shows part of a substantial colonnaded pool (70m x 45m) with a gazebo-like structure set at its centre. The area now in use as a car park would have been a formal garden in Herod’s day. Abu Galyon
Picture_444.jpg
Italy, Pompeii - villa This is one of the more fashionable villas in town. Note the private garden area to the rear. The small pool in the foreground was for catching rainwater falling through a specially made hole in the roof. July 2008Mark Z
IMG_7388_comp.jpg
Italy, Rome, The Painted Garden of LiviaThe painted garden of Livia Augusta was located at her country residence in Prima Porta, 15km north along the Via Flaminia. It was decorating the walls of a windowless underground room which was probably used as a summer room.

The painted garden runs along the four walls depicting plants and trees in different periods of time with overlapping flowering and mature fruits. Plant species depicted include: umbrella pine, oak, red fir, quince, pomegranate, myrtle, oleander, date palm, strawberry, laurel, viburnum, holm oak, boxwood, cypress, ivy, acanthus, rose, poppy, chrysanthemum, chamomile, fern, violet, and iris. Birds are present almost everywhere.

In 1950 the frescoes were detached from the villa and transferred to the Museo Nazionale Romano di Palazzo Massimo, close to Stazione Termini, and located at the third floor.

Italy- Pompeii- Bakery with its grain mill.jpg
Italy- Pompeii- Bakery with its grain millBAKERY Strada Stabiana Pompeii
These are some mill-wheels which ground the flour in the bakery or pistrinum. The top part rotates around the bottom stationary stone.

HOUSE OF THE BAKER (VI,3,3)
This dates from the 2nd cent. BC, but the remodelling after the 62 AD earthquake converted the ground floor of the house into workrooms, while the residential function moved to the top floor, reached by the stairs to the right of the atrium entrance: it appears that work was not yet complete at the time of the eruption (79 AD). For a long time this was the only large bakery brought to light in Pompeii, among the 35 now known. The hortus (garden) contained the machinery for grinding wheat and for preparing and baking bread: the water basins, the vaulted oven, four millstones of lava rock on a base in opus incertum. In the open room on the right, two stone blocks supported the table on which the bread rested before baking, while the room to the left of the tablinum was the kitchen. The feed bin was against the wall of the stalls, which open onto the garden and Vico di Modesto: here it seems that a fully harnessed mule skeleton was found.
Peter Wissing
Italy- Pompeii- Entrance to the house of Fauno.jpg
Italy- Pompeii- Entrance to the house of FaunoHOUSE OF THE FAUN (VI,12,2)
With its 3000m² it is the largest house in Pompeii: built over a previous dwelling at the beginning of the 2nd century BC, its current form is the result of subsequent alterations. The entrance on the left leads directly into the public section, the door on the right to the private rooms: an atrium whose roof is supported by four columns, stalls, latrine, baths, kitchen. In the entrance is the Latin message HAVE. The â€first style’ decoration, the floors of sectile opus, and the mosaic threshold (now at the Naples Museum) highlight the dignity of this house, more similar to the aristocratic Roman domus than local upper class dwellings. In the center of the impluvium is a bronze statue of the â€faun’ (2nd cent. BC: original in Naples); around it are rooms that held mosaic paintings on the floor and â€first style’ decorations on the walls. Between the two porticoed gardens is the exedra, the core of the dwelling, with Corinthian columns, stuccoed and painted capitals, a splendid mosaic (now at the N
aples Museum) depicting the victory of Alexander the Great over Darius, King of Persia, which has helped to suggest a connection between the Macedonian ruler and the unknown, educated, and wealthy owner of the
FLOOR PLAN OF THE HOUSE OF THE FAUN Pompeii 2nd Century Courtesy of Professor Barbette Spaeth, Tulane University (Excerpted from Professor Spaeth's accompanying text) This house was among the largest and most elegant of the houses of Pompeii. It took up an entire city block (c. 80 m. long by 35 m. wide or 315 by 115 ft.) and was filled with beautiful works of art, including the famous mosaic depicting Alexander the Great at the Battle of Issus, and wall paintings of the First, Second and Fourth Styles. The decoration of the house is heavily influenced by Hellenistic models. The House of the Faun was originally built in the early second century. In this period, the house was focused around two atria, one a large Tuscan atrium (3), and the other a smaller tetrastyle atrium (10), while the back of the house had a large kitchen garden. The two-atria plan represented an attempt to separate the formal functions of the atrium, i.e., the reception of clients and conduct of business by the patron of the house, from its private functions, i.e., the course of everyday family life. This type of plan is an intermediate step between the simple atrium house, with a single atrium complex, and the atrium and peristyle house. Apparently, the two-atria plan did not prove ultimately satisfactory for the owners of the House of the Faun. In the late second century B.C. they added a peristyle (8) to the north of the original two-atria nucleus, along with a service quarter to the eastern side (12-16), and reception rooms to the north. The rear of the house contained the kitchen garden. To this later period of the house belong its wall decorations in First Style and its famous mosaics. Finally, another peristyle was added around the time of the Early Roman Colony (20), that is, in the early first century B.C. This peristyle included more reception rooms along the south side (17 & 18), and smaller rooms, perhaps for servants, to the north (22) . The center of the new peristyle was occupied by the kitchen garden (19). With these renovations, the house acquired a new focus around the peristyles. The peristyles represented a private retreat for the family, a place where they could relax and entertain special guests. The front part of the house was kept for more formal occasions. The addition of service quarters reflects a further differentiation of function in the house, again separating the daily life of the family from the more public reception areas. The House of the Faun, with its elaborate decoration and extensive plan, represents one of the most important examples of Roman domus architecture of the second to first century B.C.
Peter Wissing
Italy- Pompeii- Entrance to the house of Fauno 1.jpg
Italy- Pompeii- Entrance to the house of Fauno 1House of the Faun. Fauces

FLOOR PLAN OF THE HOUSE OF THE FAUN Pompeii 2nd Century Courtesy of Professor Barbette Spaeth, Tulane University (Excerpted from Professor Spaeth's accompanying text) This house was among the largest and most elegant of the houses of Pompeii. It took up an entire city block (c. 80 m. long by 35 m. wide or 315 by 115 ft.) and was filled with beautiful works of art, including the famous mosaic depicting Alexander the Great at the Battle of Issus, and wall paintings of the First, Second and Fourth Styles. The decoration of the house is heavily influenced by Hellenistic models. The House of the Faun was originally built in the early second century. In this period, the house was focused around two atria, one a large Tuscan atrium (3), and the other a smaller tetrastyle atrium (10), while the back of the house had a large kitchen garden. The two-atria plan represented an attempt to separate the formal functions of the atrium, i.e., the reception of clients and conduct of business by the patron of the house, from its private functions, i.e., the course of everyday family life. This type of plan is an intermediate step between the simple atrium house, with a single atrium complex, and the atrium and peristyle house. Apparently, the two-atria plan did not prove ultimately satisfactory for the owners of the House of the Faun. In the late second century B.C. they added a peristyle (8) to the north of the original two-atria nucleus, along with a service quarter to the eastern side (12-16), and reception rooms to the north. The rear of the house contained the kitchen garden. To this later period of the house belong its wall decorations in First Style and its famous mosaics. Finally, another peristyle was added around the time of the Early Roman Colony (20), that is, in the early first century B.C. This peristyle included more reception rooms along the south side (17 & 18), and smaller rooms, perhaps for servants, to the north (22) . The center of the new peristyle was occupied by the kitchen garden (19). With these renovations, the house acquired a new focus around the peristyles. The peristyles represented a private retreat for the family, a place where they could relax and entertain special guests. The front part of the house was kept for more formal occasions. The addition of service quarters reflects a further differentiation of function in the house, again separating the daily life of the family from the more public reception areas. The House of the Faun, with its elaborate decoration and extensive plan, represents one of the most important examples of Roman domus architecture of the second to first century B.C.

Peter Wissing
Italy- Pompeii- House of Fauno with bronze statuette of Fauno and nice mosaic floor.jpg
Italy- Pompeii- House of Fauno with bronze statuette of Fauno and nice mosaic floorFLOOR PLAN OF THE HOUSE OF THE FAUN Pompeii 2nd Century Courtesy of Professor Barbette Spaeth, Tulane University (Excerpted from Professor Spaeth's accompanying text) This house was among the largest and most elegant of the houses of Pompeii. It took up an entire city block (c. 80 m. long by 35 m. wide or 315 by 115 ft.) and was filled with beautiful works of art, including the famous mosaic depicting Alexander the Great at the Battle of Issus, and wall paintings of the First, Second and Fourth Styles. The decoration of the house is heavily influenced by Hellenistic models. The House of the Faun was originally built in the early second century. In this period, the house was focused around two atria, one a large Tuscan atrium (3), and the other a smaller tetrastyle atrium (10), while the back of the house had a large kitchen garden. The two-atria plan represented an attempt to separate the formal functions of the atrium, i.e., the reception of clients and conduct of business by the patron of the house, from its private functions, i.e., the course of everyday family life. This type of plan is an intermediate step between the simple atrium house, with a single atrium complex, and the atrium and peristyle house. Apparently, the two-atria plan did not prove ultimately satisfactory for the owners of the House of the Faun. In the late second century B.C. they added a peristyle (8) to the north of the original two-atria nucleus, along with a service quarter to the eastern side (12-16), and reception rooms to the north. The rear of the house contained the kitchen garden. To this later period of the house belong its wall decorations in First Style and its famous mosaics. Finally, another peristyle was added around the time of the Early Roman Colony (20), that is, in the early first century B.C. This peristyle included more reception rooms along the south side (17 & 18), and smaller rooms, perhaps for servants, to the north (22) . The center of the new peristyle was occupied by the kitchen garden (19). With these renovations, the house acquired a new focus around the peristyles. The peristyles represented a private retreat for the family, a place where they could relax and entertain special guests. The front part of the house was kept for more formal occasions. The addition of service quarters reflects a further differentiation of function in the house, again separating the daily life of the family from the more public reception areas. The House of the Faun, with its elaborate decoration and extensive plan, represents one of the most important examples of Roman domus architecture of the second to first century B.CPeter Wissing
Italy- Pompeii- House of Fauno with nice mosaic floor.jpg
Italy- Pompeii- House of Fauno with nice mosaic floorFLOOR PLAN OF THE HOUSE OF THE FAUN Pompeii 2nd Century Courtesy of Professor Barbette Spaeth, Tulane University (Excerpted from Professor Spaeth's accompanying text) This house was among the largest and most elegant of the houses of Pompeii. It took up an entire city block (c. 80 m. long by 35 m. wide or 315 by 115 ft.) and was filled with beautiful works of art, including the famous mosaic depicting Alexander the Great at the Battle of Issus, and wall paintings of the First, Second and Fourth Styles. The decoration of the house is heavily influenced by Hellenistic models. The House of the Faun was originally built in the early second century. In this period, the house was focused around two atria, one a large Tuscan atrium (3), and the other a smaller tetrastyle atrium (10), while the back of the house had a large kitchen garden. The two-atria plan represented an attempt to separate the formal functions of the atrium, i.e., the reception of clients and conduct of business by the patron of the house, from its private functions, i.e., the course of everyday family life. This type of plan is an intermediate step between the simple atrium house, with a single atrium complex, and the atrium and peristyle house. Apparently, the two-atria plan did not prove ultimately satisfactory for the owners of the House of the Faun. In the late second century B.C. they added a peristyle (8) to the north of the original two-atria nucleus, along with a service quarter to the eastern side (12-16), and reception rooms to the north. The rear of the house contained the kitchen garden. To this later period of the house belong its wall decorations in First Style and its famous mosaics. Finally, another peristyle was added around the time of the Early Roman Colony (20), that is, in the early first century B.C. This peristyle included more reception rooms along the south side (17 & 18), and smaller rooms, perhaps for servants, to the north (22) . The center of the new peristyle was occupied by the kitchen garden (19). With these renovations, the house acquired a new focus around the peristyles. The peristyles represented a private retreat for the family, a place where they could relax and entertain special guests. The front part of the house was kept for more formal occasions. The addition of service quarters reflects a further differentiation of function in the house, again separating the daily life of the family from the more public reception areas. The House of the Faun, with its elaborate decoration and extensive plan, represents one of the most important examples of Roman domus architecture of the second to first century B.CPeter Wissing
Italy- Pompeii- House with nice garden.jpg
Italy- Pompeii- House with nice gardenPeter Wissing
Italy- Rome -circusmaximus model.jpg
Italy- Rome -circusmaximus modelA circus designates a circle or course for chariot racing. Aside from the Circus Maximus, the largest and oldest, there were three other circuses in Rome: the Circus Flaminius (221 BC), which actually was not a circus at all but a public square; the Circus Gaii et Neronis (circa AD 40), where many of the Christian martyrdoms occurred and on which St. Peter's basilica was built (the obelisk brought to Rome by Caligula to adorn its spina still stands in the square); and the Circus Maxentius (AD 309), built as part of his villa on the Via Appia and the best preserved.

In this view, the starting gates are in the foreground, with the royal box dominating the viewing standing on the left" or "and the royal box dominating the viewing stands on the left. The palace overlooks the Circus from the Palatine Hill.

The Circus Maximus was another public entertainment center, and was just a single, specific facility in Rome. The Maximus was used mostly for chariot racing. It could seat 250,000 people! There were other circuses in ancient Rome.

This oval basin, nearly 600 meters long, is almost entirely filled in with dirt. It was once a race track. It was made in the time of the Etruscan kings (presumably Tarquinio Prisco). Augustus adorned the brick structure with an imperial stage, which was rebuilt by Trajan, enlarged by Caracalla and restored by Constantine. During the reign of Constantine, the Circus could hold more than 200,000 spectators. Today only the outline remains (the area it occupied is now a public garden).


The most popular events were the chariot races held in the Circus Maximus, an arena that held up to 300,000 spectators. Competing teams with brightly decorated horses attracted fierce loyalty, and up to a dozen four-horse chariots crowded together through the dangerous turns, lap after lap. Successful charioteers became so wealthy that even emperors envied their riches.

Peter Wissing
Italy- Rome- The Mausoleum  of Hadrian.jpg
Italy- Rome- The Mausoleum of Hadrian- Castel St.Angelo
(Hadrian's Mausoleum) -
This building has had a checkered history. Originally a dynastic tomb, it was converted into a fortress, then became a noble dwelling and finally a papal residence; between times it served as a barracks, a prison and a museum.
Hadrian (117-38 AD) built a tomb in Domizia's gardens that was to become the dynastic sepulcher of the Antonines. Work started in 123 but was only completed in 139, after's death. The Pons Aelius (the predecessor of the Ponte Sant'Angelo 239), inaugurated in 134, linked the monument to the Campo Marzio.

The Sepulchral Chamber. The present entrance (which is about 10 feet above the level of the ancient one) leads via a short corridor to a square hall. The semicircular niche hollowed out in the back wall was probably intended to contain a statue of Hadrian. On the right is a spiral ramp leading to the cella (mortuary chamber), the heart of the monument. In this square room, which was originally faced with marble, the funerary urns of Emperor Hadrian and his wife, sabina.

Sant'Angelo was Rome's most important fortified area, anyone who held it had virtually the whole town at his mercy. Consequently, its history reflected the city's turbulent internal conflicts. Between the 10th and 11th centuries it passed into the hands of the most powerful noble families before suffering a massive attack by the Roman people, who made up their minds to demolish it in 1379.

Fortifications and Modifications. Under Nicholas III the castle became papal property. Most of the alterations to the building carried out between the pontificates of Nicholas V (1447-55) and Urban VII (1623-44) had a military purpose. Access to the subterranean galleries was blocked, two towers were built at the entrance and four bastions at the corners, a moat was dug, pentagonal ramparts were erected with five small forts (today no longer standing) and, finally the Corridoio or Passetto, the fortified passageway linking St Peter's to the castle, was strengthened
Peter Wissing
F8__Ludwig_XIV_Palast_cf__Feurardent_12779.jpg
Jeton, Louis XIV, cf. Feuardent 12779Louis XIV (1638-1715), king of France, sun king
AE 25 (brass), 4.40g, 25.34mm, 180°.
Engraver: Lazare Gottlieb Laufer, Nuremberg
Obv.: LVDOVICVS. - MAGNVS. REX.
           Bare head of the king to the right.
below small LGL.
Rev.: HOC PACES HABVERE BONAE.
Minerva helmeted, with raised left hand resting on long scepter, standing r.on terrace
overlooking gardens, pointing with outstretched right to servant on left who is placing
large vase on balustrade.
In ex. AEDIFICIA REGIA
Ref.: cf. Feuardent 12779

Legends:
Hoc paces habuere bonae (Horace, Epistula 2, 1) freely translated: This is the consequence of an unbroken healthy peace
Aedificia regia = the royal palace

The medal probably refers to the Peace of Ryswick (1687), which ended the Nine Years' War between France and the Netherlands, England and Spain
Jochen
1920px-Qasr_Al-Abd2C_Hellenistic_palace_dating_from_approximately_200_BC2C_Jordan_282541413126829.jpg
Jordan, Qasr Al-Abd, Hellenistic palace dating from approximately 200 BCJordan, Qasr Al-Abd, Hellenistic palace dating from approximately 200 B.C.
Photo by by Carole Raddato from Frankfurt, Germany, 18 April 2017.

Qasr al-Abd (Arabic: 'Castle of the Slave') is a large Hellenistic palace from the first quarter of the second century BCE. Its ruins stand in modern-day Jordan in the valley of Wadi Seer, close to the village of Iraq Al-Amir, approximately 17 kilometers west of Amman.

Qasr al-Abd is believed to be Tyros, the palace of a Tobiad notable, Hyrcanus of Jerusalem, head of the powerful Tobiad family and governor of Ammon in the 2nd century BCE. The first known written description of the castle comes down to us from Josephus, a first-century Jewish-Roman historian:

He also erected a strong castle, and built it entirely of white stone to the very roof, and had animals of a prodigious magnitude engraved upon it. He also drew round it a great and deep canal of water. He also made caves of many furlongs in length, by hollowing a rock that was over against him; and then he made large rooms in it, some for feasting, and some for sleeping and living in. He introduced also a vast quantity of waters which ran along it, and which were very delightful and ornamental in the court. But still he made the entrances at the mouth of the caves so narrow, that no more than one person could enter by them at once. And the reason why he built them after that manner was a good one; it was for his own preservation, lest he should be besieged by his brethren, and run the hazard of being caught by them. Moreover, he built courts of greater magnitude than ordinary, which he adorned with vastly large gardens. And when he had brought the place to this state, he named it Tyre. This place is between Arabia and Judea, beyond Jordan, not far from the country of Heshbon.
— Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, translated by William Whiston, Book XII, Chapter IV, 11.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qasr_al-Abd
Joe Sermarini
Rama 9_comm.jpg
Lixus_in_Morocco.jpg
Morocco, LixusLixus is the site of an ancient Roman city located in Morocco just north of the modern seaport of Larache on the bank of the Loukkos River. The location was one of the main cities of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana .

Ancient Lixus is located on Tchemmich Hill on the right bank of the Loukkos River (other names: Oued Loukous; Locus River), just to the north of the modern seaport of Larache. The site lies within the urban perimeter of Larache, and about three kilometers inland from the mouth of the river and the Atlantic ocean. From its 80 meters above the plain the site dominates the marshes through which the river flows. To the north, Lixus is surrounded by hills which themselves are bordered to the north and east by a forest of cork oaks.

Among the ruins there are Roman baths, temples, 4th century walls, a mosaic floor, a Christian church and the intricate and confusing remains of the Capitol Hill.

Lixus was first settled by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC and was later annexed by Carthage. Lixus was part of a chain of Phoenician/Carthaginian settlements along the Atlantic coast of modern Morocco; other major settlements further to the south are Chellah (called Sala Colonia by the Romans) and Mogador. When Carthage fell to Ancient Rome, Lixus, Chellah and Mogador became imperial outposts of the Roman province Mauretania Tingitana.

The ancient sources agree to make of Lixus a counter Phoenician, which is confirmed by the archaeological discovery of material dating from 8th century BC. It gradually grew in importance, later coming under Carthaginian domination. After the destruction of Carthage, Lixus fell to Roman control and was made an imperial colony, reaching its zenith during the reign of the emperor Claudius I (AD 41-54).

Some ancient Greek writers located at Lixus the mythological garden of the Hesperides, the keepers of the golden apples. The name of the city was often mentioned by writers from Hanno the Navigator to the Geographer of Ravenna, and confirmed by the legend on its coins and by an inscription. The ancients believed Lixus to be the site of the Garden of the Hesperides and of a sanctuary of Hercules, where Hercules gathered gold apples, more ancient than the one at Cadiz, Spain. However, there are no grounds for the claim that Lixus was founded at the end of the second millennium BC.

Lixus flourished during the Roman Empire, mainly when Claudius established a Roman Colonia with full rights for the citizens. Lixus was one of the few Roman cities in Berber Africa that enjoyed an amphitheater: the amphitheater at Lixus. In the third century Lixus become nearly fully Christian and there are even now the ruins of a paleochristian church overlooking the archeological area. The Arab invasions destroyed the Roman city. Some berber life was maintained there nevertheless until one century after the Islamic conquest of North Africa by the presence of a mosque and a house with patio with the covered walls of painted stuccos.

The site was excavated continuously from 1948 to 1969. In the 1960s, Lixus was restored and consolidated. In 1989, following an international conference which brought together many scientists, specialists, historians and archaeologists of the Mediterranean around the history and archaeology of Lixus, the site was partly enclosed. Work was undertaken to study the Roman mosaics of the site, which constitute a very rich unit. In addition to the vestiges interesting to discover the such mosaics whose one of sixty meters representing Poseidon. Lixus was on a surface of approximately 75 hectares (190 acres). The excavated zones constitute approximately 20% of the total surface of the site.

This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on July 1, 1995 in the Cultural category.
Joe Sermarini
Lg008_quad_sm.jpg
Nerva Aequitas Ӕ As (c. 97 A.D.)IMP NERVA CAES [AVG P M TR P ? COS ? P P], laureate head right / AEQVITAS AVGVST + S - C across fields, Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae

Ó”, oval 25+ to 28mm, 10.23g, die axis 7.5h, base metal seems yellow, orichalcum? Can it be a dupontius?

Mint: Rome. Regnal period is end 96 – Jan 98 AD, so 97 is the most probable minting year.

End of the obverse legend is missing, so TR P and COS numbers are unknown. Thus three types are possible:

TR P COS II --> RIC II 51, Sear 3060 var
TR P COS III --> RIC II 77, Cohen 7, BMC 127, Sear 3060
TR P II COS III --> RIC II 94, Cohen 10

IMPerator NERVA CAESar AVGustus Pontifex Maximus (the high priest, starting with Augustus the emperor was always the head of state religion) TRibunitia Potestas (Tribunal power, the function of the tribune of the people, originally an important republican official, was "hijacked" by Augustus when he was building the imperial structure of power and subsequently became another emperor's title, renewed every year and thus very useful for dating coins, no number means first year of reign, II second), COnSul (under the Empire, the office of Consul remained of some importance and was held by the Emperor with some frequency) II or III (Nerva started his 3d consulship in 97, so II would mean minting year of 96, he also became a consul for 98, but since he died in January, COS IIII is very rare), Pater Patriae (Father of his Country, the title was held by most Augusti but usually not at the very beginning of the reign, in this case it was probably assumed immediately because of Nerva's old age). Aequitas = justice, equality, conformity, symmetry. Nemesis was originally understood as honest distributor of fortune, neither bad nor good, but in due proportion. Later it gained aspects of justice and divine retribution, but in Nemesis-Aequitas her qualities of honest dealing is emphasized. Aequitas Augusti symbolizes honesty, equality and justice of the emperor towards his subjects. The scales here mean honest measure rather than justice, and the cornucopia is self explanatory. SC = [Ex] Senatus Consulto (Senatus is genitive, Consulto is ablative of Consultum) = by decree of the Senate, i. e. the authority of the Senate approved minting of this coin (necessary to justify issue of copper alloy coins for which the intrinsic value was not obvious). As or assarius – the basic Roman bronze coin, reintroduced and firmly established for centuries by Augustus (often minted of pure red copper).

On the obverse to the right of the neck there is a mysterious symbol (looks like a special field mint mark in LRB, but these were not used before 4th century I think), which is too far in to be a distorted letter of the legend.

NERVA, *8 Nov 30 (or 35) AD (Narni, central Italy) † 27 Jan 98 AD (aged 67 or 62) Gardens of Sallust, Rome ‡ 18 Sep 96 – 27 Jan 98 (effectively abdicated in autumn 97 naming Trajan as his successor)

Marcus Cocceius Nerva was born in the village of Narni, 50 kilometers north of Rome. Ancient sources report the date as either 30 or 35. He had at least one attested sister, named Cocceia, who married Lucius Salvius Titianus Otho, the brother of the earlier Emperor Otho. Like Vespasian, the founder of the Flavian dynasty, Nerva was a member of the Italian nobility rather than one of the elite of Rome. Nevertheless, the Cocceii were among the most esteemed and prominent political families of the late Republic and early Empire, attaining consulships in each successive generation. The direct ancestors of Nerva on his father's side, all named Marcus Cocceius Nerva, were associated with imperial circles from the time of Augustus.

Not much of Nerva's early life or career is recorded, but it appears he did not pursue the usual administrative or military career. He was praetor-elect in the year 65 and, like his ancestors, moved in imperial circles as a skilled diplomat and strategist. He received many high honors during the reign of Nero and Flavians, including two ordinary (!) consulships of 71 and 90, usually for services that remained unclear, so probably of highly delicate and clandestine nature, e. g. he played a prominent role of uncovering at least two major conspiracies against the ruling emperors. During 69, the transitional Year of the Four Emperors he was nowhere to be seen, but then emerged on the winning Flavian side, which was quite a feat for a former Neronian loyalist and a relative of one of the defeated emperors, Otho. It is also known that Nerva had excellent literary abilities praised by his contemporaries.

On 18 September, 96, Domitian was assassinated in a palace conspiracy organised by court officials. The same day the Senate proclaimed Nerva emperor in somewhat obscure circumstances. Modern historians believe Nerva was proclaimed Emperor solely on the initiative of the Senate, within hours after the news of the assassination broke, to avoid the inevitable civil unrest, and neither him nor the Senate had anything to do with the conspiracy. The change of government was welcome particularly to the senators, who had been harshly persecuted during Domitian's reign. As an immediate gesture of goodwill towards his supporters, Nerva publicly swore that no senators would be put to death as long as he remained in office. He called an end to trials based on treason, released those who had been imprisoned under these charges, and granted amnesty to many who had been exiled. All properties which had been confiscated by Domitian were returned to their respective families. Nerva also sought to involve the Senate in his government, but this was not entirely successful.

Nerva had to introduce a number of measures to gain support among the Roman populace. As was the custom by this time, a change of emperor was to bring with it a generous payment of gifts and money to the people and the army. This was followed by a string of economic reforms intended to alleviate the burden of taxation from the most needy Romans. Furthermore, numerous taxes were remitted and privileges granted to Roman provinces. Before long, Nerva's expenses strained the economy of Rome and necessitated the formation of a special commission of economy to drastically reduce expenditures. The most superfluous religious sacrifices, games and horse races were abolished, while new income was generated from Domitian's former possessions. Because he reigned only briefly, Nerva's public works were few, instead completing projects which had been initiated under Flavian rule. This included extensive repairs to the Roman road system and the expansion of the aqueducts. The only major landmarks constructed under Nerva were a granary, known as the Horrea Nervae, and a small Imperial Forum begun by Domitian, which linked the Forum of Augustus to the Temple of Peace.

Despite Nerva's measures to remain popular with the Senate and the Roman people, support for Domitian remained strong in the army, which led to problems. Upon his accession, he had ordered a halt to treason trials, but at the same time allowed the prosecution of informers by the Senate to continue. This measure led to chaos, as everyone acted in his own interests while trying to settle scores with personal enemies.

The situation was further aggravated by the absence of a clear successor, made more pressing because of Nerva's old age and sickness. In October 97 these tensions came to a head when the Praetorian Guard laid siege to the Imperial Palace and took Nerva hostage. He was forced to submit to their demands, agreeing to hand over those responsible for Domitian's death. Nerva was unharmed in this assault, but his authority was damaged beyond repair. He realized that his position was no longer tenable without the support of an heir who had the approval of both the army and the people. Shortly thereafter, he announced the adoption of Trajan as his successor, and with this decision all but abdicated.

On 1 January, 98, at the start of his fourth consulship, Nerva suffered a stroke during a private audience. Shortly thereafter he was struck by a fever and died. His largest legacies were avoiding the civil war after the fall of Flavians and establishing a new dynasty that ruled almost until the end of the 2nd century and achieved "the golden age" of the Roman empire.
Yurii P
[901a]_NervaAntiochAE26.jpg
Nerva, 18 September 96 - 25 January 98 A.D., Antioch, SyriaBronze AE 26, BMC Syria, p. 182, 261, aVF, Antioch mint, weight 13.524g, maximum diameter 25.0mm, die axis 0o, Jan - Sep 97 A.D.; Obverse: IMP CAESAR NERVA AVG III COS, laureate head right; Reverse: large S C in wreath, D below; unbelievable portrait. Ex FORVM. Photo courtesy FORVM.

De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families
Nerva (96-98 A.D.)


David Wend

Introduction
Although short, the reign of Marcus Cocceius Nerva (A.D. 96-98) is pivotal. The first of Edward Gibbon's so-called "Five Good Emperors," Nerva is credited with beginning the practice of adopting his heir rather than selecting a blood relative. Claimed as an ancestor by all the emperors down to Severus Alexander, he has traditionally been regarded with much good will at the expense of his predecessor, Domitian.

Ancestry
Nerva could claim eminent ancestry on both sides of his family. On the paternal side, his great-grandfather, M. Cocceius Nerva, was consul in 36 B.C.; his grandfather, a distinguished jurist of the same name, accompanied Tiberius on his retirement to Capri in 26 A.D. On his mother's side an aunt, Rubellia Bassa, was the great-granddaughter of Tiberius. In addition, a great-uncle, L. Cocceius Nerva, played a part in the negotiations that secured a treaty between Octavian and Antony in 40 B.C

Early Career and Life under Domitian
Nerva was born on 8 November, 30 A.D. Little is known of his upbringing beyond the fact that he belonged to a senatorial family and pursued neither a military nor a public speaking career. On the other hand, he did hold various priesthoods and was a praetor-designate. More importantly, as praetor designate in 65, Nerva was instrumental in revealing the conspiracy of Piso against the emperor Nero.

As a result, he received triumphal ornaments and his statue was placed in the palace. Following Nero's fall in 68, Nerva must have realized that support of Vespasian and the Flavian cause was in his best interests. In 71 his loyalty was rewarded with a joint consulship with the emperor, the only time that Vespasian ever held the office without his son Titus. It was under the reign of Vespasian's other son, Domitian, that Nerva's political fortunes were ultimately determined, however. He shared the ordinary consulship with Domitian in 90, an honor that was perhaps the result of his alerting the emperor about the revolt of Antonius Saturninus, the governor of Upper Germany, in 89. Even so, like so many others of the senatorial class, Nerva came under scrutiny in the final years of Domitian's reign, when the emperor was unwilling to tolerate any criticism.

Whether or not Nerva was forced to withdraw from public life during Domitian's final years remains an open question. What is not in dispute is that he was named emperor on the same day that Domitian was assassinated in September, 96. Indeed, in some respects the accession was improbable, since it placed the Empire under the control of a feeble sexagenarian and long-time Flavian supporter with close ties to the unpopular Domitian. On the other hand, Nerva had proven to be a capable senator, one with political connections and an ability to negotiate. Moreover, he had no children, thereby ensuring that the state would not become his hereditary possession.

Imperial Initiatives
Upon taking office, Nerva made immediate changes. He ordered the palace of Domitian to be renamed the House of the People, while he himself resided at the Horti Sallustiani, the favorite residence of Vespasian. More significantly, he took an oath before the senate that he would refrain from executing its members. He also released those who had been imprisoned by Domitian and recalled exiles not found guilty of serious crimes. Nevertheless, Nerva still allowed the prosecution of informers by the senate, a measure that led to chaos, as everyone acted in his own interests while trying to settle scores with personal enemies.

In the area of economic administration Nerva, like Domitian, was keen on maintaining a balanced budget. In early 97, after appointing a commission of five consular senators to give advice on reducing expenditures, he proceeded to abolish many sacrifices, races, and games. Similarly, he allowed no gold or silver statues to be made of himself. Even so, there was some room for municipal expenditure. For the urban poor of Italy he granted allotments of land worth 60 million sesterces, and he exempted parents and their children from a 5% inheritance tax. He also made loans to Italian landowners on the condition that they pay interest of 5% to their municipality to support the children of needy families. These alimentary schemes were later extended by Trajan, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius.

Because he reigned only briefly, Nerva's public works were few. By early 98 he dedicated the forum that Domitian had built to connect the Forum of Augustus with the Forum of Peace. It became known as the Forum of Nerva, or the Forum Transitorium. Nerva also built granaries, made repairs to the Colosseum when the Tiber flooded, and continued the program of road building and repairs inaugurated under the Flavians. In addition, pantomime performances, supressed by Domitian, were restored.

In the military realm, Nerva established veterans' colonies in Africa, a practice that was continued by the emperor Trajan. Normal military privileges were continued and some auxiliary units assumed the epithet Nervia or Nerviana. We are not well informed beyond these details, and any military action that may have occurred while Nerva was emperor is known sketchy at best.

Nature of Nerva's Government
Nerva's major appointments favored men whom he knew and trusted, and who had long served and been rewarded by the Flavians. Typical was Sextus Julius Frontinus. A consul under Vespasian and governor of Britain twenty years earlier, Frontinus came out of retirement to become curator of the water supply, an office that had long been subject to abuse and mismanagement. He helped to put an end to the abuses and published a significant work on Rome's water supply, De aquis urbis Romae. As a reward for his service, Frontinus was named consul for the second time in 98. Similarly, the emperor's own amici were often senators with Flavian ties, men who, by virtue of their links to the previous regime, were valuable to Nerva for what they knew. Thus do we find the likes of A. Didius Gallus Fabricius Veiiento, one of Domitian's ill-reputed counselors, seated next to Nerva at an imperial dinner. Nerva was less willing to consult the Senate as a whole. In many cases he preferred the opinions of his own consilium, and was less submissive than many senators would have liked. This attitude may have been responsible for hostile discontent among several senators.

Mutiny of the Praetorians and the Adoption of Trajan
It was not long before the assassination of Domitian came to work against the new emperor. Dissatisfied that Domitian had not been deified after his death, the praetorian guards mutinied under Casperius Aelianus in October 97. Taking the emperor as hostage, they demanded that Nerva hand over Domitian's murderers. The emperor not only relented, but was forced to give a public speech of thanks to the mutineers for their actions. His authority compomised, Nerva used the occasion of a victory in Pannonia over the Germans in late October, 97 to announce the adoption of Marcus Ulpius Traianus, governor of Upper Germany, as his successor. The new Caesar was immediately acclaimed imperator and granted the tribunicia potestas. Nerva's public announcement of the adoption settled succession as fact; he allowed no time to oppose his decision. From the German victory, Nerva assumed the epithet Germanicus and conferred the title on Trajan as well. He also made Trajan his consular colleague in 98.

Death and Deification
On January 1, 98, the start of his fourth consulship, Nerva suffered a stroke during a private audience. Three weeks later he died at his villa in the Gardens of Sallust. From his headquarters at Cologne, Trajan insisted that Nerva's ashes be placed in the mausoleum of Augustus and asked the senate to vote on his deification. We are further told that he dedicated a temple to Nerva, yet no trace of it has ever been found. Nor was a commemorative series of coins issued for the Deified Nerva in the wake of his death, but only ten years later.

Conclusion
Nerva's reign was more concerned with the continuation of an existing political system than with the birth of a new age. Indeed, his economic policies, his relationship with the senate, and the men whom he chose to govern and to offer him advice all show signs of Flavian influence. In many respects, Nerva was the right man at the right time. His immediate accession following Domitian's murder prevented anarchy and civil war, while his age, poor health and moderate views were perfect attributes for a government that offered a bridge between Domitian's stormy reign and the emperorships of the stable rulers to follow.

Copyright (C) 1998, David Wend.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
NIC AD ISTRUM Elagabalus Priapus rev~1.jpg
Priapus, god of gardens and fruitfulnessThe god of gardens and fruitfulness is shown here holding a lapful of fruit, or, if you prefer to see it that way, balancing the fruit on his personal fertility symbol. A much scarcer coin than the standard Nicopolis "Look what I've got!" issues.Britannicus
1280px-Musei_vaticani_-_base_colonna_antonina_01106.JPG
Rome, Vatican Museum, Base of the Column of Antoninus Pius Rome, gardens of the Vatican Museums, the base of the Antonine Column from Campo Marzio: the winged genius door between the gods Antoninus Pius and Faustina Annia deified; left, the genius of the Campus Martius, with the obelisk of Augustus; right, the goddess Roma. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Column_of_Antoninus_PiusJoe Sermarini
neapol_sam_treb_gall_Rosenb113.jpg
Samaria, Neapolis, Trebonianus Gallus, Rosenberger 113Trebonianus Gallus, AD 251-253
AE 24, 12.09g
obv. AVT KAI G OVI TREB GALLOC [CEB]
bust, draped [and cuirassed?], laureate, r.
rev. FL NEAC - POLEWS
Eagle stg. frontal, head l., wings spread, supporting cult image of Mt.Gerizim
with temple, shrines and gardens
Rosenberger 113; SNG 6, 1035
F+/about VF

The Mt.Gerizim is the holy mountain of the Samaritans. Neapolis is the todays Nablus.

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'
1 commentsJochen
SévAlex as.jpg
Severus Alexander - asIMP. SEV. ALEXANDER AVG.
P.M. TR.P. X COS. III P.P. / S C , Otium standing left resting on garden hoe and trashing weed.
Minted 231.
Ginolerhino
Sidon,_Phoenicia.JPG
SIDON PHOENICIA SILVER 1/8 SHEKEL. 333BC. Slaying Lion SILVER COIN OF SIDON PHOENICIA FROM BEFORE 333 BC.
8.3 MM AND 0.45 GRAMS. Sear 5940v
OBVERSE – Bearded diety about to slay lion, within incuse square
REVERSE – Galley with zig-zag waves below

2059--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like most Phoenician cities, Sidon was built on a promontory facing an island, which sheltered its fleet from storms off the sea, and became a refuge during armed incursions from the interior. lt surpassed all other Phoenician cities in wealth, commercial initiative, and religious significance. At the height of the Persian Empire (550 - 330 BC) Sidon provided Persia, a great land power, with the ships and seamen it needed to fight the Egyptians and Greeks. This vital role gave Sidon and its kings a highly favored position during that period.
Glass manufacture, Sidon's most important enterprise, was conducted on such a vast scale that the very invention of glass has often been attributed to it. Exceedingly vigorous, too, was the production of purple dye for garments of royalty, as attested by Murex Hill, a huge mound of remains of the shellfish Murex trunculus from which the dye was obtained. Sidon was also famous in ancient times for its gardens and its twin-basin harbor.

Like other Phoenician capitals, Sidon suffered the depredations of a succession of conquerors. At the end of the Persian era, unable to resist the superior forces of the emperor Artaxerxes lll, the desperate Sidonians locked their gates and immolated themselves in their homes rather than submit to the invader. More than 40,000 died in the flames. Shortly after, in 333 BC, the decimated city was too weak to oppose the triumphal march down the coast of Alexander the Great, and sued for peace.

Antonivs Protti
Spain- Taragona- Entrance to the Roman Circus.jpg
Spain- Taragona- Entrance to the Roman Circus and Provicial ForumThe Roman Circus


The circus was the most popular of the buildings used for spectacles during Roman times. This was where chariot races were held (with two or four horse chariots). It was build in the late 1st century AD and was part of a large monumental area organized into three terraces, of which it occupied the lower one. The circus is exceptionally well preserved and sections of the ruins can be seen in some of the business in the Placa de la Font (square) and Trinquet Vell Street, as well as in the interior of the Pizzeria Pulvinar and in the Placa Sedassos.
The circus was constructed on strong cement vaults that served a twin purpose. They were the foundations on which the stands, staircases and upper platforms were built, as well as the interior corridors through which the spectators could move about the whole building. It was in use until the 5th century.
During the Middle Age (12th and 13th centuries) the wall separating the circus and forum was turned into a defensive wall (Mur vell). The area of the circus remained outside the walls. It became known as the “corral” and was used for industrial and mercantile activities. In the time of king Pere III “the Ceremonious” the threat of war caused it to be reincorporated into the walled area when a second defensive line known as La Muralleta was built along the façade of the circus in 1368.
The circus was partially destroyed by Napoleon´s troops in 1813.

Provincial Forum

The Provincial Forum was built in the upper part of the city around the year 73 AD, during the time of the emperor Vespasian, and functed as the political and economic administrative center of the province.
It was laid out on two terraces, taking advantage of the slope of the terrain. The upper terrace was the site of the Imperial worship area, and lower terrace housed the Plaza of Representation, from where the whole province was administered. This is where such important buildings as the tabularium (state archive) and the arca (state treasury) were located.
The Forum was a large square with gardens and was bordered on three sides by colonnades and a series of galleries situated on different levels. To provide access to the different areas there were lateral towers housing stairways. The Praetorian Tower was one of these.
With the restoration of the city after 1129, the tower was converted into a residence, initially for the Norman, Robert Bordet. From 1171, it was the King´s castle and for brief periods members of the royal family lived there. During the time of James I and also of Peter III it underwent major restauration work.
By the end of the 15th century the building was no longer used as a royal residence. It took on a military role until the arrival in the city of Napoleon´s army in 1811. From the middle of the 19th century it was the Provincial Prison, and since 1971 it has been a museum
Peter Wissing
Spain- Taragona- Roman Circus inside Tunnels.jpg
Spain- Taragona- Roman Circus inside TunnelsThe Roman Circus


The circus was the most popular of the buildings used for spectacles during Roman times. This was where chariot races were held (with two or four horse chariots). It was build in the late 1st century AD and was part of a large monumental area organized into three terraces, of which it occupied the lower one. The circus is exceptionally well preserved and sections of the ruins can be seen in some of the business in the Placa de la Font (square) and Trinquet Vell Street, as well as in the interior of the Pizzeria Pulvinar and in the Placa Sedassos.
The circus was constructed on strong cement vaults that served a twin purpose. They were the foundations on which the stands, staircases and upper platforms were built, as well as the interior corridors through which the spectators could move about the whole building. It was in use until the 5th century.
During the Middle Age (12th and 13th centuries) the wall separating the circus and forum was turned into a defensive wall (Mur vell). The area of the circus remained outside the walls. It became known as the “corral” and was used for industrial and mercantile activities. In the time of king Pere III “the Ceremonious” the threat of war caused it to be reincorporated into the walled area when a second defensive line known as La Muralleta was built along the façade of the circus in 1368.
The circus was partially destroyed by Napoleon´s troops in 1813.

Provincial Forum

The Provincial Forum was built in the upper part of the city around the year 73 AD, during the time of the emperor Vespasian, and functed as the political and economic administrative center of the province.
It was laid out on two terraces, taking advantage of the slope of the terrain. The upper terrace was the site of the Imperial worship area, and lower terrace housed the Plaza of Representation, from where the whole province was administered. This is where such important buildings as the tabularium (state archive) and the arca (state treasury) were located.
The Forum was a large square with gardens and was bordered on three sides by colonnades and a series of galleries situated on different levels. To provide access to the different areas there were lateral towers housing stairways. The Praetorian Tower was one of these.
With the restoration of the city after 1129, the tower was converted into a residence, initially for the Norman, Robert Bordet. From 1171, it was the King´s castle and for brief periods members of the royal family lived there. During the time of James I and also of Peter III it underwent major restauration work.
By the end of the 15th century the building was no longer used as a royal residence. It took on a military role until the arrival in the city of Napoleon´s army in 1811. From the middle of the 19th century it was the Provincial Prison, and since 1971 it has been a museum
Peter Wissing
Spain- Taragona- Roman Circus inside Tunnels 1.jpg
Spain- Taragona- Roman Circus inside Tunnels 1The Roman Circus


The circus was the most popular of the buildings used for spectacles during Roman times. This was where chariot races were held (with two or four horse chariots). It was build in the late 1st century AD and was part of a large monumental area organized into three terraces, of which it occupied the lower one. The circus is exceptionally well preserved and sections of the ruins can be seen in some of the business in the Placa de la Font (square) and Trinquet Vell Street, as well as in the interior of the Pizzeria Pulvinar and in the Placa Sedassos.
The circus was constructed on strong cement vaults that served a twin purpose. They were the foundations on which the stands, staircases and upper platforms were built, as well as the interior corridors through which the spectators could move about the whole building. It was in use until the 5th century.
During the Middle Age (12th and 13th centuries) the wall separating the circus and forum was turned into a defensive wall (Mur vell). The area of the circus remained outside the walls. It became known as the “corral” and was used for industrial and mercantile activities. In the time of king Pere III “the Ceremonious” the threat of war caused it to be reincorporated into the walled area when a second defensive line known as La Muralleta was built along the façade of the circus in 1368.
The circus was partially destroyed by Napoleon´s troops in 1813.

Provincial Forum

The Provincial Forum was built in the upper part of the city around the year 73 AD, during the time of the emperor Vespasian, and functed as the political and economic administrative center of the province.
It was laid out on two terraces, taking advantage of the slope of the terrain. The upper terrace was the site of the Imperial worship area, and lower terrace housed the Plaza of Representation, from where the whole province was administered. This is where such important buildings as the tabularium (state archive) and the arca (state treasury) were located.
The Forum was a large square with gardens and was bordered on three sides by colonnades and a series of galleries situated on different levels. To provide access to the different areas there were lateral towers housing stairways. The Praetorian Tower was one of these.
With the restoration of the city after 1129, the tower was converted into a residence, initially for the Norman, Robert Bordet. From 1171, it was the King´s castle and for brief periods members of the royal family lived there. During the time of James I and also of Peter III it underwent major restauration work.
By the end of the 15th century the building was no longer used as a royal residence. It took on a military role until the arrival in the city of Napoleon´s army in 1811. From the middle of the 19th century it was the Provincial Prison, and since 1971 it has been a museum
Peter Wissing
Spain- Taragona- Roman Circus Model.jpg
Spain- Taragona- Roman Circus ModelThe Roman Circus


The circus was the most popular of the buildings used for spectacles during Roman times. This was where chariot races were held (with two or four horse chariots). It was build in the late 1st century AD and was part of a large monumental area organized into three terraces, of which it occupied the lower one. The circus is exceptionally well preserved and sections of the ruins can be seen in some of the business in the Placa de la Font (square) and Trinquet Vell Street, as well as in the interior of the Pizzeria Pulvinar and in the Placa Sedassos.
The circus was constructed on strong cement vaults that served a twin purpose. They were the foundations on which the stands, staircases and upper platforms were built, as well as the interior corridors through which the spectators could move about the whole building. It was in use until the 5th century.
During the Middle Age (12th and 13th centuries) the wall separating the circus and forum was turned into a defensive wall (Mur vell). The area of the circus remained outside the walls. It became known as the “corral” and was used for industrial and mercantile activities. In the time of king Pere III “the Ceremonious” the threat of war caused it to be reincorporated into the walled area when a second defensive line known as La Muralleta was built along the façade of the circus in 1368.
The circus was partially destroyed by Napoleon´s troops in 1813.

Provincial Forum

The Provincial Forum was built in the upper part of the city around the year 73 AD, during the time of the emperor Vespasian, and functed as the political and economic administrative center of the province.
It was laid out on two terraces, taking advantage of the slope of the terrain. The upper terrace was the site of the Imperial worship area, and lower terrace housed the Plaza of Representation, from where the whole province was administered. This is where such important buildings as the tabularium (state archive) and the arca (state treasury) were located.
The Forum was a large square with gardens and was bordered on three sides by colonnades and a series of galleries situated on different levels. To provide access to the different areas there were lateral towers housing stairways. The Praetorian Tower was one of these.
With the restoration of the city after 1129, the tower was converted into a residence, initially for the Norman, Robert Bordet. From 1171, it was the King´s castle and for brief periods members of the royal family lived there. During the time of James I and also of Peter III it underwent major restauration work.
By the end of the 15th century the building was no longer used as a royal residence. It took on a military role until the arrival in the city of Napoleon´s army in 1811. From the middle of the 19th century it was the Provincial Prison, and since 1971 it has been a museum
Peter Wissing
Spain- Taragona- Roman Circus Model fracture.jpg
Spain- Taragona- Roman Circus Model fractureThe Roman Circus


The circus was the most popular of the buildings used for spectacles during Roman times. This was where chariot races were held (with two or four horse chariots). It was build in the late 1st century AD and was part of a large monumental area organized into three terraces, of which it occupied the lower one. The circus is exceptionally well preserved and sections of the ruins can be seen in some of the business in the Placa de la Font (square) and Trinquet Vell Street, as well as in the interior of the Pizzeria Pulvinar and in the Placa Sedassos.
The circus was constructed on strong cement vaults that served a twin purpose. They were the foundations on which the stands, staircases and upper platforms were built, as well as the interior corridors through which the spectators could move about the whole building. It was in use until the 5th century.
During the Middle Age (12th and 13th centuries) the wall separating the circus and forum was turned into a defensive wall (Mur vell). The area of the circus remained outside the walls. It became known as the “corral” and was used for industrial and mercantile activities. In the time of king Pere III “the Ceremonious” the threat of war caused it to be reincorporated into the walled area when a second defensive line known as La Muralleta was built along the façade of the circus in 1368.
The circus was partially destroyed by Napoleon´s troops in 1813.

Provincial Forum

The Provincial Forum was built in the upper part of the city around the year 73 AD, during the time of the emperor Vespasian, and functed as the political and economic administrative center of the province.
It was laid out on two terraces, taking advantage of the slope of the terrain. The upper terrace was the site of the Imperial worship area, and lower terrace housed the Plaza of Representation, from where the whole province was administered. This is where such important buildings as the tabularium (state archive) and the arca (state treasury) were located.
The Forum was a large square with gardens and was bordered on three sides by colonnades and a series of galleries situated on different levels. To provide access to the different areas there were lateral towers housing stairways. The Praetorian Tower was one of these.
With the restoration of the city after 1129, the tower was converted into a residence, initially for the Norman, Robert Bordet. From 1171, it was the King´s castle and for brief periods members of the royal family lived there. During the time of James I and also of Peter III it underwent major restauration work.
By the end of the 15th century the building was no longer used as a royal residence. It took on a military role until the arrival in the city of Napoleon´s army in 1811. From the middle of the 19th century it was the Provincial Prison, and since 1971 it has been a museum
Peter Wissing
Middlesex__Skidmore_s_Halfpenny__DH_522A_-_JNCoins_28229.jpg
St.Pauls Covent Garden Middlesex. Skidmore's Halfpenny. DH 522A
Edge milled. Scarce. Good extremely fine

Description: Some lustre remaining. Irregular flan as normal.
Ancient Aussie
NERVA~0.JPG
Struck A.D. 98 - 99 under Trajan. DIVUS NERVA. Commemorative AE 25 of Berytus, PhoeniciaObv: DIVOS NERVA AVGVSTVS. Laureate head of Nerva facing right.
Rev: COL IVL AVG FEL BER. Nerva, as priest-founder, ploughing with yoke of oxen right.
Diameter: 25mm | Weight: 13.6gms | Die Axis: 12
BMC : 81 (Phoenicia) | GICV : 950.
RARE

This coin was struck by Trajan shortly after the death of Nerva.

At the beginning of January A.D.98 Nerva suffered a stroke during a private audience and a few weeks later died of a fever at his villa in the Gardens of Sallust. He was succeeded by Trajan, whom he had adopted as his son and heir.
1 comments*Alex
HADRIAN_CONSECRATIO.JPG
Struck A.D.139 under Antoninus Pius. DIVUS HADRIAN. Commemorative AR Denarius of RomeObverse: DIVVS HADRIANVS AVG. Bare head of Hadrian facing right.
Reverse: CONSECRATIO. Eagle standing facing on globe, head turned left.
Diameter: 18mm | Weight: 3.2gms | Die Axis: 6
RIC II : 389b
VERY RARE.

The Mausoleum of Hadrian in Rome was completed in the year this coin was struck, the emperor Antoninus Pius cremated the body of Hadrian and placed his ashes together with that of his wife Vibia Sabina and his adopted son, Lucius Aelius in the tomb.
The mausoleum was originally a towering decorated cylinder topped with a garden and a golden quadriga. The building, used by the popes in later centuries as a fortress and castle, is known today as the Castel Sant'Angelo. It is situated in Parco Adriano, Rome and is now a museum.
2 comments*Alex
pautalia_caracalla_ruzicka592.jpg
Thracia, Pautalia, Caracalla, Ruzicka 592Caracalla AD 197-217
AE 31, 17.16g, 31.24mm, 225°
obv. AVT KM AVRH - ANTWNINOC
bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, l., with shield with Gorgoneion on it and
spear behind (light bearded)
rev. OVLPIAC PA - VTALIAC
Herakles, nude, standing crooked r., r. foot put backwards, r. hand behind
back, holding lion-skin over l. arm, and in l. hand club set on heap of nine
bowls (type of Herakles Farnese)
ref. Ruzicka 592; Moushmov 4300
Rare, nearly VF
Pedigree:
ex coll. Alexander Mergen
ex coll. Dr. Reinhart Falter, MĂĽnchen

The Herakles Farnese was a marble copy of a Hellenistic work of Lysipp c.330 BC made by Glykon of Athens AD 211-217. It was found 1540 in the Caracalla Thermes in Rome and then located in the Farnese gardens. The rev. of the coin probably shows a copy standing in the gardens or parks of Pautalia which was a famous bath.
2 commentsJochen
girazim_com.JPG
Trebonianus Gallus Neapolis, SamariaAE 26 mm 10.3 grams 251-253 AD
OBV :: AVT KAI G OVI TREB GALLOC [CEB]
Laureate bust right
REV :: FL NEAC - POLEWc
Eagle Standing, wings spread, supporting Mount Gerazim. with temple, gardens and staiwell
EX :: none
minted in Neapolis, Samaria
Rosenberger 113; SNG 6, 1035, BMC 149, Hendin 882
Johnny
Sosius_zacynthus_3.jpg
Zacynthus (Under Gaius Sosius) Obverse: Oenochoe and littus
Reverse: ZA (for Zacynthus.) surrounded by wreath
Mint: Zacynthus
Minted: c.32 BCE
Ref: Professor Gardner, Numismatic Chronicle, 3rd ser., 1885, vol. v., pp. 81-107. This coin is in poor shape and it also apprears be overstruck garbling the detail. However, I have tentatively identified it as (what I assume) is a very rare issue of Sosius when based with Antony's fleet at Zacynthus. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Gardener is the only reference I have been able to locate for this type to date.
'Prof. Gardner (op. cit.) publishes an autonomous coin of Zacynthus, which, from its type, shows obvious allusion to the augurate of Antony, and that Antony accorded to the island a certain degree of autonomy in return for favours rendered to Sosius.'
jimbomar
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