RIC VIII Siscia 361
Title
RIC VIII Siscia 361
Date
348-358 CE
Description
An AE2 of the emperor Constantius II
Subject
Coin, Emperor, Constantius II, Felix Tempus Reparatio
Publisher
Bethel University
Contributor
Nelson Menjivar
Coverage
POINT(1822454.57548542 5697909.84686708)
Relation
Render Unto Caesar Coin Project
Type
Coin
Format
image/jpeg
Language
Latin
Mint
Siscia (Sisak)
Denomination
AE3
Deity
Felix Tempus Reparatio
Portrait
Constantius II
Region
Croatia
Material
Bronze
Obverse Legend
D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG
Obverse Type
Portrait of Constantius, facing right, wearing a laurel.
Reverse Legend
FEL-TEMP REPARATIO
Reverse Type
A Roman soldier spears a fallen enemy soldier.
Obverse Analysis
Born Flavius Julius Constantius, Constantius II as he would be later called, was one of Constantine the Great’s three sons, the other two being Constantine II and Constans. After the death of his father, Constantius II and his siblings divided the empire into three parts, with “all of Asia, the East, and Egypt” following under the control of Constantius II. While Constans and Constantine II disputed African territories, the result of which was war and the death of the latter, Constantius quickly grabbed power in his territory by eliminating potential rivals, including his uncle. The empire soon became divided between Constans and Constantius.
Under Constantius, Arian Christianity was allowed to flourish. The Roman Emperor would even exile Catholic bishops. In attempts to gain more political clout in his region, Constantius would attempt to adopt the model of his father of banning heretics. For Constantius this meant the exile of Catholic bishops that he feared had too much power. Unfortunately for Constantius, the political power play did not work. With civil unrest rising, the exiled bishops were recalled and calamity was avoided, at least momentarily. Only a few years after the bishops were welcomed back, Constans was assassinated by the men of Magnentius and civil war seemed imminent.
Following the death of his brother, Constantius quickly moved to not only “avenge” but to also wrestle control of the empire as the sole ruler. As fighting ensued between “the usurper” Magnentius and Constantius, both sides experienced heavy losses. Among the series of conflicts, the Battle of Mursa Major would stand out as one of the bloodiest battles in Roman history. Constantius would win the battle, but Magnentius would escape. Fortunately for Constantius, his advisory was unable to find allies in Rome or Germany following further defeat, fearing capture and a “dishonorable life” Magnentius would opt to commit suicide. Constantius had become sole ruler.
In order to ensure the stability of the empire and guard against his rivals, Constantius appointed his cousin Julian with the rank of caesar. Additionally, the threat of war with the Sassanids continued to cast a shadow over the reign of Constantius. Furthermore, the legions of Julian had declared Julian emperor, another usurper had arisen. Leaving behind the threats of the Sassanids, Constantius moved West to face off against his cousin Julian. While a battle between the two family members seemed near, something changed, Constantius was fatally ill. Realizing that he would not survive, whether it be from the upcoming battle or disease, Constantius declared that Julian would be the legal successor, and a civil war was avoided. While his reign was one of civil unrest and fighting, Constantius was able to avoid one final bloodshed by granting Julian the right to the emperorship. His life and reign would officially end in 361 CE
Under Constantius, Arian Christianity was allowed to flourish. The Roman Emperor would even exile Catholic bishops. In attempts to gain more political clout in his region, Constantius would attempt to adopt the model of his father of banning heretics. For Constantius this meant the exile of Catholic bishops that he feared had too much power. Unfortunately for Constantius, the political power play did not work. With civil unrest rising, the exiled bishops were recalled and calamity was avoided, at least momentarily. Only a few years after the bishops were welcomed back, Constans was assassinated by the men of Magnentius and civil war seemed imminent.
Following the death of his brother, Constantius quickly moved to not only “avenge” but to also wrestle control of the empire as the sole ruler. As fighting ensued between “the usurper” Magnentius and Constantius, both sides experienced heavy losses. Among the series of conflicts, the Battle of Mursa Major would stand out as one of the bloodiest battles in Roman history. Constantius would win the battle, but Magnentius would escape. Fortunately for Constantius, his advisory was unable to find allies in Rome or Germany following further defeat, fearing capture and a “dishonorable life” Magnentius would opt to commit suicide. Constantius had become sole ruler.
In order to ensure the stability of the empire and guard against his rivals, Constantius appointed his cousin Julian with the rank of caesar. Additionally, the threat of war with the Sassanids continued to cast a shadow over the reign of Constantius. Furthermore, the legions of Julian had declared Julian emperor, another usurper had arisen. Leaving behind the threats of the Sassanids, Constantius moved West to face off against his cousin Julian. While a battle between the two family members seemed near, something changed, Constantius was fatally ill. Realizing that he would not survive, whether it be from the upcoming battle or disease, Constantius declared that Julian would be the legal successor, and a civil war was avoided. While his reign was one of civil unrest and fighting, Constantius was able to avoid one final bloodshed by granting Julian the right to the emperorship. His life and reign would officially end in 361 CE
Reverse Analysis
The obverse of the coin is of emperor Constantius II. In regards to the restoration period, it comes during a time where civil strife have almost torn apart the empire. The civil war between Constantius and Magnentius had witnessed one of the bloodiest battles in Roman history. The laurel represents Constantius statues as sole emperor, which he obtained following the defeat of Magnentius. On the other hand, the pious wording on the coin highlights Constantius’ religious devotion. As the son of Constantine, Constantius lived in a Roman Empire that not only accepted Christianity, but favored it. While he was Arian, Constantius was still willing to work with Catholic bishops to avoid civil unrest, or to restore order. The reverse iconography, which displays a Roman soldier spearing an enemy, could have been used as a reminder to those under Roman rule that Constantius had defeated the “usurper” Magnentius.
Mintmark
Siscia Officina Mark 2
Weight
4.81g
