GLORIA IN PECUNIA: MILITARY THEMES ON JULIO-CLAUDIAN COINAGE

Introduction

This exhibit examines how the Julio-Claudian emperors depicted military themes on their imperial coinage and why this was a popular theme. From the time of the Roman republic, coins were a popular way of spreading propaganda about the ruling class – the mixture of short easily recognisable text and images means that all literacy levels can understand the messages sent by coins. The Julio-Claudian emperors, from Augustus to Nero, all used this form of propaganda to their best advantage. One of the popular themes for coinage was commemorating military victories. This exhibition will examine coins from Augustus, Caligula, Claudius and Nero and discuss the figures and achievements depicted on the coins. The list of coins to the right will take you to a discussion of each coin.

Historical Context

The Roman Army was an essential part of the Roman Empire, both during the Republic and Imperial periods. Rome built its Empire through conquest, and its army was arguably one of the most effective fighting forces in history. In the First Century BC Rome was traumatized by repeated civil war, with numerous Roman Generals such as Julius Caesar gaining popularity and power through their military victories and control of legions, attempting to bring Rome under one-man rule. In 27 BC Augustus brought an end to this period of civil war when he defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. Augustus was popular with the armies and the people due to his military accomplishments and therefore kept power. Augustus, once in power, continued an already established tradition of commemorating victories on the coins circulated throughout the Empire, as did the succeeding emperors after him.  Imperial power was closely tied to the armies - if an emperor did not have the support of the military he would not last long in power. Therefore military campaigns and expansion of the Empire were common and on-going, and patriotism was encouraged in the common people through use of imagery celebrating the achievements of the military. Triumphant commanders, imperators, would be rewarded with parades through Rome and memorials, usually in the form of Triumphal Arches. These symbols of military glory would then make their way onto the coinage of the day. 

Our Exhibit

This exhibit investigates four coins of the Julio-Claudian Emperors with a military theme. The four coins come from Augustus, the first emperor, then Caligula, the third, Claudius, the fourth, and Nero, the fifth and final Julio-Claudian. All four coins can be tied to a particular military achievement from that emperor’s reign, or a victory of a significant family member. As the Emperor was the head of the Empire and therefore ultimately in command of the army, emperors would use achievements that they were not personally involved in if they had significance and propagandic power.