Prisoners of war are among the most consistent and versatile tropes spanning the history of Roman coins, from the Republican period through the late Imperial. Frequently described only as “captive” or “bound captive” in the major references, the figures depicted are presumably destined for slavery or, occasionally, awaiting execution. They often represent members of specific tribal groups, indicated by the minute cultural details of hairstyle, clothing, or headwear.
“A New Morning in Rome”: Aurelian’s Eastern Captives Coinage, c. 274 CE.
Depicting Eastern captives with the legend ORIENS AVG, the double-meaning is that the Romans are rising supreme over the East, and that the sun is rising, heralding “a new day” after recent eastern conflicts.
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[Last Update: 26 Jun 2023.] CONSERVATORI Ancient Coins is a new project from Curtis Jackson-Jacobs, including blog posts on ancient coins and their literature, numismatic commentary & historical articles, and, coming soon, coins & literature for sale. Check here to see what’s new since you last visited.
Historic Classic: Julius Caesar Elephant Denarius 49 BCE
A historically significant, iconic classic. The coins of Julius Caesar are of special interest to numismatists because they not only reflected important historical moments, but actually played a role in shaping them.
Historic “Justinian Plague Follis,” Constantinople 541 CE
[Updated 15 July 2022.] In the Spring of 541, the devastating Bubonic Plague reached Byzantine N. Africa. By Fall, it struck Constantinople. Justinian himself was famously infected, miraculously survived, and bore the facial scars for life. The city was decimated by the “Justinian Plague,” with incalculable consequences for the Empire and for Western History.