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In mid 370s AD, the Spanish noblewoman Aelia Flaccilla made the acquaintance of Flavius Theodosius, a visiting nobleman from the eastern portion of the Roman Empire. Despite the fact that his family had recently fallen out of imperial favor, Theodosius seemed a good prospect for Flaccilla, and the couple married in 376 AD. Perhaps seeking a quiet life, the newlyweds settled at the Empire's western frontier. However, Theodosius succumbed to imperial recruiters, and the couple relocated eastward. This career move turned out favorable in 379 AD when Theodosius earned the title of Augustus, and Flaccilla filled the position of Augusta. Flacilla bore Theodosius two sons, the future Augusti Arcadius and Honorius.
Flaccilla’s reign was marked for her compassion towards the Empire’s underprivileged. She was reported to have personally tended to the poor and disabled. Flaccilla’s piety was also renown; she was an avid supporter of Nicene Christianity, which officially became the Empire’s state religion. For her efforts, Flaccilla earned the commemoration of sainthood according to the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In addition, Flaccilla was honored on coins, such as this one struck in Siscia around 383-384 AD. Flaccilla’s coinage – the first for an Augusta in a half-century – restored the numismatic tradition of featuring important Roman women. On the verso, Victory inscribes the religious symbol of chi-rho accompanied by the legend SALVS REIPVBLICAE (health of the republic), imagery consistent with Flaccilla’s piety and regard for the Empire’s welfare. The coin’s obverse legend, AEL FLAC-CILLA AVG, notably employs the Augusta’s full name.
Flaccilla was one of the most revered women of the late Roman Empire. After her death in 386 AD, she was honored with statues and a palace named in her honor. Out of respect and admiration, future Empresses assumed the praenomen Aelia, similar to the adoption of Augustus in honor of the Empire's very first ruler.
Coin Details: EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE, Aelia Flaccilla, AD 379-386/8, Æ (23mm, 4.73 g, 7h), Siscia mint, 1st officina, Struck AD 383-384, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Obverse: Diademed and draped bust right, AEL FLAC-CILLA AVG, Reverse: Victory seated right, inscribing shield set on column,SALVS REI-PVBLICAE, ASISC• in exergue, References: RIC IX 34.1; LRBC 1560.