Dublin Core
Title
AR Denarius of Elagabalus
Subject
money; coin (money)
Description
The obverse depicts Elagabalus, born Sextus Varius Avitus Bassius, a controversial and absent emperor. Elagabalus forced Rome to worship the Syrian sun deity, Elagabal, in place of Jupiter; arranged a marriage to a prominent enemy of Rome, Urania; and crossdressed to seduce men in Rome. Unsuited to rule the imperial throne, he was beheaded by the Praetorian Guard after a four year reign.
The reverse depicts Roma, goddess of Rome, holding Victory and a scepter, symbolizing civilization and all humanity’s advancements. Hidden within the simplicity of the traditional coin is the complex character of Elagabalus.
The reverse depicts Roma, goddess of Rome, holding Victory and a scepter, symbolizing civilization and all humanity’s advancements. Hidden within the simplicity of the traditional coin is the complex character of Elagabalus.
Creator
Elagabalus, Emperor of Rome
Source
Sear 7540; RIC 4128
Publisher
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau Fall 2021)
Date
219 CE
Contributor
AV
Rights
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Relation
[no text]
Format
silver (metal)
Language
Latin
Type
physical object
Identifier
2012.02.225
Coverage
Roman Empire