The Roman Empire
Domitian


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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS* Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

During the early decades of the Roman Empire, the Flavius clan gained prominence, moving from equestrian to senatorial rank. Within the next generation, one of their lineage, namely Titus Flavius Vespasianus (9 – 79 AD), would even become Emperor, and establish a Flavian dynasty that ruled Rome for the next three decades. As a young man, Vespasian began his career in the military, and rapidly advanced in rank. By 43 AD, he led a Roman legion engaged in Emperor Claudius’ invasion of Britannia. The campaign was successful, thanks to Vespasian’s leadership and pioneering use of artillery weaponry. After Claudius’ death and Nero’s succession, Vespasian was appointed governor of the Africa province, where he honed his administrative skills. In Africa, Vespasian’s rule proved one of fairness and frugality, rather than funding government by exploiting locals. However, these policies led to a shortfall and required the family’s financial assistance, a lesson Vespasian never forgot. Returning from Africa, Vespasian became part of Nero’s entourage, and, as such, was required to attend imperial lyre recitals. Vespasian was caught napping during a performance, and Vespasian either fled or was banished, fearing for his life. The fall from grace was only temporary. Vespasian’s proven military prowess was too valuable to waste; besides, Nero grew desperate to solve the Judean situation. Rebels there ousted the pro-Roman King and defeated the local imperial garrison. Even worse, the Judeans defeated reinforcements that arrived from Syria. The shocking news proved an imperial embarrassment, and Nero sent in Vespasian. The latter, along with his son, Titus, and a massive array of soldiers and weaponry, quickly pacified all of Galilee, and prepared to siege the mighty walls of Jerusalem. Back in Rome, Nero’s rule finally fell apart, ending with his suicide. In the year of civil unrest that followed, three Augusti would sit on the throne, the last of whom was Vitellius. By this time, Vespasian was quite popular in the eastern Empire. Moreover, prophecies abounded that from Judaea would come the new governor of the world: of course, Vespasian thought the prophecies referred to himself. Vespasian even found confirmation: one of his prisoners, Josephus, ordained that he would be freed by one who would become Emperor. Josephus was kept alive and detained while his conjecture was tested (lucky thing he did not prophesize his death by the future Augustus). In 69 AD, Vespasian, with support from the legions of Judea, Egypt, Syria, and the Danube, declared his intentions to compete with Vitellius for the throne. After a few more months of civil war in Italy, Vitellius was dead (among the tens of thousands of casualties), and Vespasian became the fourth Roman Augustus declared within the year. Meanwhile, news arrived that Titus had finally broke though Jerusalem’s tenacious third wall and sacked the city, looting the Jewish Temple. This was enough good news for Vespasian to arrange for a public celebration of the success, solidifying his reign. In the summer of 71 AD, imperial planners worked day and night to organize the city-wide event. Finally, the gala day arrived, starring Vespasian with his sons Domitian and (especially) Titus, the latter triumphantly returned from Judea and attended by a new sidekick, Flavius Josephus (yes, the prediction was a success). Many details of this particular celebration are known, thanks to Josephus. His writings – a fascinating read – contain descriptions of the purple-clad and laurel-donning father-and-son duo captivating the crowds with their prayers, and elaborate parades featuring many thousands of prisoners, enormous amounts of captured treasures, and stupendous, complex floats that re-enacted tales of bloody battle. The successful event solidified Vespasian’s reign, and was widely remembered and promoted for years. As an example, this denarius was struck in commemoration probably two years later and 1500 miles distant (Antioch). The main attraction is depicted on the verso, where you can almost hear the crowds’ adoration as Vespasian proudly drives by in his quadriga (four horse chariot), exactly as described by Josephus. The obverse is also worth noting. Vespasian is portrayed here with his typical, toothless smile that often resembles a pained grimace. The depiction is commensurate with his character, often coarse owing his humble origins, and with great ambition, shrewdness, and capacity for hard word. He had a keen sense of humor, even if he was the butt of the joke; apparently, his strange Latin pronunciation made him a target. An example worth noting (apocryphal or not): Vespasian once asked a comic to joke about him, and the comic replied to his grinning/grimacing questioner that he would, once the Augustus finished relieving himself. Remarkably, the Emperor responsible for reinstating role of censor to control propaganda, also took the joke in stride. With military strength yet likeability, Vespasian increased his grip on power even further. He insisted his sons Titus and Domitia succeed him, ensuring his dynasty. He set about restoring civil war-torn Rome to former glory. Vespasian rebuilt temples and theatres, and started work on an ambitious project that became the Coliseum. Supporting these initiatives required raising funds, namely, taxes, although Vespasian exempted teachers and doctors. Vespasian also expanded the tax base by expanding the Empire in territories such as Britannia. He even went so far as to collect a tax on public urinals. Vespasian ruled for a decade, and expressed humor even at his own death: "Oh dear, I fear I am about to become a god!" Additional Reading: F Josephus,"The Wars Of The Jews," Chapter V, 3-7. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Vespasian, AD 69-79, “Judaea Capta” commemorative AR Denarius (17 mm, 3.57g, 6 h), Antioch mint, Struck AD 72-73, NGC Grade: MS*, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Laureate head right, IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M COS IIII, Reverse: Vespasian standing in chariot right, driving slow quadriga, holding scepter, branch, and reins, References: RIC II 1559; Hendin 1491 corr. (obv. Legend); RIC [1962] 364; RSC 643; BMC 512.

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