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Like many ancient cultures, the Romans viewed
familia as a divine tradition that intertwined with creation itself. In ancient Rome, family structures were complex, comprising anyone who shared consumption: multi-generational blood relatives, adoptive kin, stepfamily members, and even slaves. The head of the household was male, reflecting their domination according to Roman society, although women held certain property rights, and could divorce if desired (so long as they could afford the legal fees). Couples typically sired up to 5 children, however, only 1 to 2 likely survived to adulthood. Considering that adult lifespan was less than five decades, divorce and remarrying for political and dynastic advancement was quite common. Also not uncommon were Roman marriages between adoptive relatives, or even blood relatives such as cousins.
Rome’s aristocratic families, especially imperial ones, were quite complex. A noteworthy case arose when Augustus Antoninus Pius arranged for the wedding of his daughter, Faustina Jr., and his adoptive son, Marcus Aurelius. The intended husband and bride were technically brother and sister, so the Augustus formally adjusted his
patria potestas, or paternal authority, to enable the marriage. After Marcus succeeded his adoptive father in 161 AD, he proceeded arranging another complex engagement, between his pre-teenaged daughter, Lucilla (149?–182 AD) and his adoptive brother and co-Emperor, Lucius Verus. Although the pairing made sense from a dynastic point of view, from Lucilla’s perspective Verus hardly seemed an ideal husband. He was substantially older, not to mention technically her uncle. Most worrisome, Verus had a growing reputation for drinking, gambling, and love affairs with both genders. Nonetheless, when Lucilla came of age, her father Marcus, quite aware of Verus’ exploits, hastened the wedding plans.
Rome struck coins promoting the latest imperial addition, including this ancient denarius. The obverse features Lucilla’s portrait, her features suggesting maturity beyond her teenage years. The accompanying inscription proclaims her title, and a reminder that she is the Augustus’ daughter. The theme of family continues on the verso, wherein Vesta, one of Rome’s most important deities, stands beside a lit altar. Vesta was widely revered by Romans everywhere as the embodiment of hearth, home, and family. Her burning flame, attended by her faithful Vestal Virgins, represented the life force of the community. The virgins’ task was critical and sacred, requiring a three-decade tenure of chastity, and those not up to the task were buried alive.
Perhaps Vesta was meant to reflect Lucilla’s participation in a harmonious imperial family. As it turned out, the imagery on this particular coin ultimately proved ironic. Lucilla was one of perhaps thirteen imperial children, among whom only perhaps six reached adulthood, including a single male, namely Lucilla’s older brother, Commodus. Thus, it was likely that Lucilla was under pressure to produce offspring, particularly males, sired by her husband Verus. For his part, Verus devoted considerable attention to hearth, home, and family, albeit without sanctity. Regarding hearth, the Roman center of cooking as well as household altar, Verus threw elaborate banquets, including a notorious party for twelve that set the Empire back six million sesterces. Within their home, Verus conveniently established a tavern, where he and his friends could drink and gamble, day and night. Last, but certainly not least, Verus’ family extended well beyond the nuclear one. Verus cavorted with an imperial entourage of musicians and actors, including a famously beautiful woman from Syria named Panthea, meaning “all divine”. For her part, Lucilla bore Verus three children over five years, one of whom, daughter Lucilla Plautia, survived past childhood.
The marriage between Lucilla and Verus ended upon the latter’s passing in 169 AD, probably a victim of the plague that he and his tropps unknowingly brought with them from the eastern front. Marcus, who now reigned as sole Emperor with Commodus as his Caesar, was eager for Lucilla to marry once again. To this end, Marcus chose Quintianus, a prominent politician more than twice Lucilla’s age. Lucilla disapproved, but had little choice. At least the arrangement allowed her to remain in the imperial limelight. In particular, she insisted that defending the Empire continue on as a family affair. With her husband in tow, Lucilla toured with the troops on campaign, joining with her father and brother. At the time, at least by outward appearances, one might imagine that the imperial family was harmoniously focused on running the Empire’s business.
To the extent harmony might have existed, it didn’t last. In 178 AD, Commodus married the Roman noblewoman Bruttia Crispina. Lucilla was no longer the Empire’s highest-ranking woman (her mother Faustina Jr. died in 175 AD). It was widely reported that Lucilla grew jealous of her new sister-in-law. Even more damaging to familial accord, not to mention the Empire’s stability, Marcus died in 180 AD, leaving an increasingly megalomaniacal Commodus as sole Roman Emperor. A couple years later, fueled by jealousy, ambition, and concern over Rome’s future, Lucilla decided to conspire against her own brother. In 182 AD, she became embroiled in a plot to assassinate Commodus and place her husband on the throne. Her co-conspirators included Quintianus’ nephew, who was assigned the murderous deed, but bungled the attempt. Shortly thereafter, most of the perpetrators were apprehended and executed. Only a few, including Lucilla, were allowed to live, banished to the island of Capri. The reprieve did not last long. Commodus later changed his mind, and dispatched a centurion to complete the sentencing.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Lucilla, 164-182/3 AD, AR Denarius (3.30 g), Struck in Rome 166-169 AD, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Draped bust right, LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, Reverse: Vesta standing left, sacrificing from a simpulum over a lit altar left, holding palladium, VESTA, References: RIC 788; RSC 92; BMC 325.