AR Denarius of Julius Caesar
money; coins (money)
The obverse side contains Caesar's name and shows an elephant and snake. This signifies a power struggle with Caesar and represents the religious power struggle of good and evil. The reverse shows important things such as a ritual cap, ax, and a long ladle, related to Caesar's role as Pontifex Maximus, or high priest which was Caesar's offices. These show religious influence in Caesar's life as well as portraying his relationship with the gods.
Julius Caesar
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
49-48 BCE
MM
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver, 2.0 cm
Roman
Physical Object
2019. 04.003
Roman Republic
Solidus of Heraclius
money; coins (money)
The obverse has Heraclius depicted as bigger, crowned, and bearded due to his age and power. His son Heraclius Constantine is depicted smaller and beardless on the right. Christianity was the state religion and Heraclius recovered the True Cross from where Jesus' crucifixion which is why there’s a cross between the two emperors. On the reverse, there’s a cross potent set on top of three steps, showing the value of religion during Heraclius' reign.
Heraclius
Sear 738
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, Fall 2019)
610-641 CE
MR
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Gold (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.240
Byzantine Empire, Roman