Here is an aureus of Domitian, as Caesar under Vespasian. minted ca. A.D 73. R.I.C 232. It depicts the emperor on horseback, carrying a sceptre and raising his hand. I read somewhere that the object at the tip of the sceptre is suppossed to be a human head. This gory detail would somehow fit with what one reads about Domitian, although it is possible that history has protrayed him somewhat more negatively than he deserves. Certainly Titus Flavius Domitianus, youngest son of Vespasianus, and Titus' brother did not do too bad as a military commander, personally leading successful campaigns against the Dacians and Sarmatians in the east, and directing a campaign against the Marcommanen who threatened to overrun the province of Germania. His actions helped secure the Pax Romana in the area for the next 90 years or so, until the time of Marcus Aurelius. I thought this coin and tidbits of history would be interesting for some of you.
Nice one! That's an interesting story about the reverse. Did Domitian also take part in the capture of Judea?
Not from what I have read BigH. The bloody supression of revolt in Judaea was accomplished by his brother, and of course by his father Vespasian. If Domitian took part, it must have been only briefly. Maybe somebody else can comment?
Don't count on it. Not for a while, anyway. It's early here in the U.S. Anyway, thanks for answering my question. The portraits of Titus, Vespasian and Domitian all appear identical.
Thanks Eduard. The Ancients, is an area of numismatics I am seriously lacking in. Thanks for the lesson.
Wonderful looking coin Eduard :high5: I remember reading somewere that when his father and brother were of fighting in Judea that he lived with his uncle Titus Flavius Sabinus II who was I think prefect of Rome at that time (Or possibly just after?)
Thanks De Orc. My curiosity was piqued to find out what Domitian was doing while his brother was in Judaea, and you are right, he apparently did not participate. He only became active after his brothers death. And then, he had plenty to do elsewhere.
Domitian was plagued throughout his life by the idea that he would die a horrible, violent death at a given time, as foretold by his horoscope. It appears he ensured his own fate, telling people he shouldn't have trusted and dreading the day. Then on the appointed day, he locked himself in his bedchamber. He trusted a liar who told him it was the sixth hour, when the danger would have passed. In reality, it was the fifth hour, that of greatest danger. He unlocked his chamber and was assassinated by his enemies.
Thanks all for your comments. Ardatirion, I actually only have now 2 aurei left in my collection, this one and a Claudius. Sold my other 2 to finance other purchases. This is OK since I am more of a bronze man really. Interesting episode. Thanks giorgio11. Domitian had plenty of enemies (not unusual as we know for Roman emperors), specially among the pretorians. This was principally due to his ruthless supression of the so-called Saturninus mutiny, during which the governor of the province of Germania Superior, and the commander of the legion stationed in Mainz (Mogontiacum) rose in rebellion against Rome. This made him many enemies among the pretorians. As mentioned, Domitianus was in fact an able military commander and spent much time on various campaigns. This sestertius celebrates the victory in the campaign against the Chattii in Germania. It shows Domitian on horse spearing a Germanic warrior. I very much like the portrait on this coin.
I was just reading the other day about coins like these which have the emperor on horseback as I have a Decius with a similar reverse. The material I read seemed to think most of these are supposed to be depicting the entry of the emperor into Rome (sometimes another city). He is usualy depicted on horseback with a raised sceptre. when an emperor ascends the throne he would make an entry into Rome and it would be full of pomp and circumstance and then they would mint coins to commemorate the event in silver and gold...this could be a commemoration of his ceremonial entry into Rome which was usually on horseback (sometime walking).
This could very well be possible, knowing how the romans used coinage to reflect official policy and/or promote visibility of current emperor.
