Septimius Severus and His Depiction on Coins
Septimius Severus and His Depiction on Coins
Blog Article
Septimius Severus was depicted on Roman coins in various forms, reflecting the different aspects of his reign. Some of the most common types of coins featuring Severus are the denarius, sestertius, and aureus, which were made of silver and gold and widely circulated across the empire.
1. Portraits on Coins
The portrait of Septimius Severus often depicted him with a strong, resolute expression, emphasizing his military strength and authoritative presence. These images were crafted to convey his image as a powerful and capable ruler. In many cases, the emperor was shown wearing a military helmet or a laurel wreath, symbolizing both his role as a commander and his association with divine favor.
On some coins, Severus was shown with his family, including his wife, Julia Domna, and their sons, Carus and Geta. These depictions were a means of showcasing the stability and continuity of the Severan Dynasty, as well as portraying the emperor as a family man, which helped humanize his image for the Roman people.
2. Victory and Military Achievements
One of the most common themes on coins during Severus’s reign was the celebration of his military victories. Severus came to power after defeating his rivals in the Year of the Five Emperors, and he was known for his numerous campaigns in the east, particularly his successful military campaigns in Parthia (modern-day Iran). Coins often featured imagery that symbolized his victories, such as trophies, captives, or military symbols like the legionary standards.
For instance, coins minted to commemorate Severus’s campaign in Parthia might depict him in a victorious pose, often with an inscription emphasizing his military strength. Such coins were not only a reminder of his accomplishments but also a message to the empire's soldiers and subjects about the emperor’s military capability and the stability he brought to the empire.
3. Divine Associations
Like many emperors before him, Septimius Severus used coins to associate himself with the divine. He often featured images of gods and goddesses on his coins, claiming divine favor and support. One of the most common deities associated with Severus was Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods, symbolizing his role as the protector of the empire. He also depicted Sol Invictus, the sun god, to reinforce his association with divine protection and eternal rule.
The emperor’s divine association was a crucial aspect of his legitimacy. By presenting himself as divinely favored, Severus could bolster his authority and remind his subjects that his reign was blessed by the gods, providing a sense of divine protection and stability to the empire. shutdown123 Report this page