Probably quite early in his reign, as the portrait looks quite a bit like Severus Alexander.
ABSOLUTE UNIT
According to the Historia Augusta, certainly! IRL? Who knows…
At the least, by his own coins and busts, he had one hell of a chin!
Yes, definitely, but there might be some element of playing the part of the soldier from the frontiers - the brutal barbarian - to keep people in line. Still, Herodian does mention that he was of an impressive size and he’s generally more reliable than the Historia Augusta, right?
Yes, definitely, but there might be some element of playing the part of the soldier from the frontiers - the brutal barbarian - to keep people in line.
Whether propaganda or reality, I love the depiction. Not a great Emperor, but what a memorable look!
Still, Herodian does mention that he was of an impressive size and he’s generally more reliable than the Historia Augusta, right?
More reliable than the Historia Augusta is beating the fastest snail at the footrace XD
But Herodian is generally (though not universally) considered reliable, yes.
He is indeed an interesting character and emperor, and I suppose his ascend is the start of the soldier-emperors and the Crisis in earnest. The next 50 years are going to be rough for the Romans.
Which reminds me, I should post an Aurelian coin one of these days.
Which reminds me, I should post an Aurelian coin one of these days.
I recently read a really fascinating theory that Aurelian’s reforms were what triggered the hyperinflation of the late 3rd century. The basic idea being that his reforms to revaluate the currency were what led to the final collapse of the kind of pseudofiat and pseudorepresentative valuation that Roman currency had been coasting on, suggesting that the ~100% price inflation up until then was actually mild compared to how little silver actually remained in the coins.
Not sure how much I buy it, but it’s something I’ve been meaning to read more about!
I don’t know much about the fiscal history of the Roman Empire, except that it seems like they didn’t really understand inflation. But then again - I don’t think that can be true, can it? It seems like such a fundamental and basic concept that it’s hard to imagine a sophisticated society not having a basic grasp of it.
Can you recommend a good source for the fiscal history of the Roman Empire?
Oh that’s a beauty. Do you mind me asking what it cost?
I don’t actually remember, this was bought via FB messenger many years ago (2017?) and I have since deleted my account. Prices are quite a bit higher post covid anyway…
Edit: But it wasn’t terribly expensive - something like 40-60 USD at the most.
Thank you!
No problem :) Do you collect?
Not yet, but this community and an undying love for Roman history has made me seriously consider it. :)
It’s fun and surprisingly affordable! You can always start small 😊
I did just take a look on one of the sidebar sites after reading your post. I have a question if you don’t mind.
I came across this one which looks a decent enough starter and is quite cheap. Is there a reason those more dirty coins aren’t put into something like a light acid bath to remove the gunk?
An acid bath would strip off all the silver and ruin it, but it’s conceivable you could clean it mechanically and make it a little bit prettier. But for the price it’s a nice coin indeed!
Edit: But don’t try to clean it more now, it really is something which takes tens of hours and is an expert pursuit.
Neat!
