Didrachm
money; coins (money)
Like most Roman Republic coinage, the figures on the obverse are mythological; the twin Dioscuri appear conjoined at the back of the head. These brothers, one mortal and the other divine, were renowned for their horsemanship and thought to protect warriors in battle. It is then hardly a surprise that, on the reverse, Jupiter rides a horse-drawn chariot driven by the personification of Victory. He thrusts a scepter before him, raising a lightning bolt with which to strike down approaching adversaries. These images reflect a clear fixation on military prowess during the expanding and perpetual warring state of the Republic.
Roman Republic
Syd 64b; Craw 28/3
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau Fall 2021)
212 BCE
JRB
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Unknown
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.127
Roman Republic
AR Denarius of Mn. Fonteius of Narbonese Gaul
money; Coins (money)
On the obverse side, it shows heads of Dioscuri, the twin brothers Castor and, the demi-god, Pollux. In Greek Mythology, Zeus was the father of Pollux, making Pollux a demi-god, and Tyndareus, the King of Sparta, was the father of Castor making him mortal. On the reverse side. It shows a galley (a smaller row boat) with oars. This coin in particular is a Roman galley coin and they were used as propaganda for the Roman Republic to inform citizens of their rulers' travels.
Mn. Fonteius of Narbonese Gaul
Syd 566a, Craw 307/1a
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
108-107 BCE
JR
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latrin
Physical object
2012.02.031
Roman Republic