Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #trajan
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(1/16) Today again a more theoretical thread about #Germanic #history. It is about a theory of the origin of the first Germanic major #tribes:
the #Iron and #Amber theory!
(Many used images are from external sources, which I will gladly share if needed.)
the #Iron and #Amber theory!
(Many used images are from external sources, which I will gladly share if needed.)
Ancient Coin of the Day: Today’s thread is about Trajan’s building projects as commemorated on coins, starting with a sestertius of the Circus Maximus ca. AD 103-111. #ACOTD #Trajan #Buildings
Image: RIC 2 Trajan 571; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 8287). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.2.…
Image: RIC 2 Trajan 571; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 8287). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.2.…
While he is perhaps better known for the military aspects of his reign, it cannot be disputed that Trajan was also keenly interested in building work and infrastructure, with many of his works commemorated on the coins that he issued.
The Obverse shows a laureate Trajan, with the detailed Legend IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P – ‘For Emperor Caesar Nerva Trajan Augustus, Germanicus, Dacicus, Pontifex Maximus, with Tribunician Power, Consul for the fifth time, Father of the Fatherland’.
#LatinForTheDay - 8 August
"divinitatem principis nostri, an humanitatem temperantiam facilitatem, ut amor et gaudium tulit, celebrare universi solemus? iam quid tam civile tam senatorium, quam illud additum a nobis Optimi cognomen?"
Pliny, Panegyricus 2.7
"divinitatem principis nostri, an humanitatem temperantiam facilitatem, ut amor et gaudium tulit, celebrare universi solemus? iam quid tam civile tam senatorium, quam illud additum a nobis Optimi cognomen?"
Pliny, Panegyricus 2.7
'Is it our leader's divine quality, his humanity, his temperance, or his easy-going nature that accustom us to laud him with one single voice, as love and gladness bring about? What now can show him more as citizen and senator than that title bestowed on him by us - 'The Best'?'
Ah, Pliny the Younger on Trajan... Our correspondent knows how to gild the lily! Pliny here speaks of the qualities of Trajan - here implicitly contrasting them with those of Domitian - mentioning the bestowing of the title 'Optimus', which appeared on Trajan's coins from AD 103.
Ancient Coin of the Day: A gorgeous sestertius of Trajan, ca. AD 103-111, with a Reverse showing the Circus Maximus, one of a series of coin issues by Trajan commemorating his extensive building works. #ACOTD #Trajan
Image: RIC II Trajan 571
Image: RIC II Trajan 571
Trajan is said to have enlarged and beautified the Circus Maximus (Dio 68.15.7), yet while Dio would suggest his modesty "merely inscribing on it a statement that he had made it adequate for the Roman people", coins from this period speak of his commemoration of various projects.
Both base and precious metal coinages were used to commemorate these projects, such as this striking aureus of AD 112-114 showing the facade of his Forum.
Image: RIC II Trajan 255
Image: RIC II Trajan 255
