I have frequently admired the ability of experts in Ancient numismatists to decipher the sometimes scant evidence to better understand Ancient Roman culture and history. I’ve been studying this coin of the usuper Eugenius (ruled AD 392-394): DN.EVGENIVS.P.F.AVG. Laureate head right. R/: VIRTVS.ROMANVRVM. Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and long sceptre. Cohen 14 var. RIC 106d. Eugenius was elevated to the purple by the Frankish general Arbogast during the reign of the Emperor Theodosius. The traditional story was that the usurper Eugenius was very sympathetic to the Pagans and he really was only a nominal Christian. He certainly had the support of the predominately Pagan Roman Senate (despite strangely not being confirmed by the Senate). According to popular history, Eugenius promoted some of the Pagan policies and supported Pagan temples, both of which had fallen out of favor because of recent intolerant Christian emperors. He and his general Arbogast, however, lost the pivotal and bloody battle of Frigidus against the militantly Christian Emperor Theodosius. Both the usurper and his general soon lost their lives: Eugenius was captured and killed, while Arbogast committed suicide. Eugenius was, therefore, the last emperor to support polytheism. Many historians cling to the idea that this was the last stand of the noble and enlightened Pagans against the intolerant and culturally ignorant Christians. Numismatists have supported this rendition of history, too. They point out that Eugenius wears a beard on his coin (very uncommon among Christian emperors). This, they contend, is indicative of Eugenius’ being a philosopher and, thus, more tolerant of Pagans. But wait…. This widely accepted rendition of history might be incorrect. Alan Cameron in his book The Last Pagans of Rome reminds us that Eugenius was a teacher of rhetoric, not philosophy. (Cameron mentions incidentally that Christ, the apostles, and the saints are also shown in the style of philosophers with a beard.) After plowing through this dense and scholarly tome by Alan Cameron, I may have now changed my opinion about the relationship among the fourth century Christian and Pagan communities. Cameron may have successfully dismantled the romantic mythology of Pagans being the last bastion of enlightened ancient culture fending classical civilization against the darkness and ignorance of Christianity. Here are two good reviews of the book: http://www.unrv.com/book-review/last-pagans-rome.php http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/417316.article Eugenius' power grab might need to be assessed with this alternative (and thoroughly researched and convincingly argued) background in mind. Eugenius might not have been the last great "hero of the Pagans" once imagined by Pagan romantics and apologists. This is one case where the numismatists may have drawn the wrong conclusions from the evidence. guy
Interesting thesis Guy, and may prove to be true, but, I believe, we may never know the truth. I think I will see about getting a copy of Cameron's book. Thanks.
Thank you for reading my post. Cameron's book is expensive. I found my copy cheap on Abesbooks.com. It's not an easy read, requiring some knowledge about late Roman history and possibly some Latin. Cameron writes: guy
Great lookin' Siliqua ... I've yet to bag one of 'em!! (on my list) Interesting read, but I have no comments other than my original => great lookin' Siliqua!!
