The man who would become known to us as Emperor Jovian was born in A.D. 331 in Roman Ilyria. His father, Varronianus, served in the army and eventually became the commander of the Imperial guards under Constantius II. Although Jovian's mother's name remains unknown to us, the influence of his father's military career was evident. Following in Varronianus's footsteps, Jovian joined the Imperial Guard. His service was first documented in 361 when he escorted the remains of Constantius II to Constantinople. Despite his youth, Jovian rapidly ascended through the ranks of the Eastern imperial military. He was part of Emperor Julian's Persian expedition in 363. But when Julian met his end at the hands of a Sassanid javelin, the army was thrown into disarray. Military leaders convened to determine a successor and the future course of action, given the precarious situation. After Julian's first-choice candidate declined the role due to his advanced age, Jovian was acclaimed Emperor. This was not a moment of pure triumph, as he faced an army trapped deep in enemy territory, with dwindling supplies and morale. Understanding the imminent threat of a Sassanid assault, Jovian negotiated a truce with the Persian Shah Shapur. The ensuing treaty stipulated a thirty-year truce, demanded the Romans forfeit their influence in Armenia, and mandated the surrender of several territories to the Sasanian Empire. This treaty reversed six decades of Roman gains, a setback that wouldn't be rectified until the reign of Eastern Emperor Maurice Tiberius. Following this treaty, Jovian led the remnants of the Roman expedition back to Antioch. The locals, frustrated by the terms of the peace agreement, expressed their anger with derogatory graffiti depicting the Emperor. Jovian then moved towards Constantinople to take control of the Empire and stabilize it. During his journey, he restored Christianity to its pre-Julian prominence within the empire, confiscated pagan temple funds for the Imperial treasury, and reintroduced the Labarum to the military. By December 363, while in Ancyra, Jovian appointed his young son, Varronianus, as consul. Tragically, during his travel from Ancyra to Constantinople, Jovian was found dead in his tent at Dadastana on 17 February 364. He was only 33. Although the exact cause of his death remains a matter of speculation, it's believed he might have inhaled toxic fumes emanating from fresh paint in his tent, worsened by a nearby brazier. He was buried in Constantinople. In later years, under the rule of Valentinian I and Valens, his son Varronianus was blinded and exiled. And now, I am pleased to present to you all my first siliqua of Emperor Jovian. Jovian 363-364AD Silver Siliqua Diademed, laureate and cuirassed bust/VOT/V/MVL/X, Constantinople RCV19206, 19mm, 1.75g
