Ancient Artefact of the Day: The so-called 'Sword of Tiberius', discovered in 1848 near the river Rhine, outside the German city of Mainz, which was a major legionary fortress during the imperial period. #AAOTD
Image: British Museum (1866,0806.1)
Image: British Museum (1866,0806.1)
The preservation of the piece is remarkable, especially the scabbard itself, which has given rise to much speculation about its decoration and significance.
It is now generally agreed that the decoration alludes to Augustus' ceding of a military victory to Tiberius after a successful Alpine campaign. This is primarily informed by the plate showing Augustus flanked by Mars and Victory.
Perhaps this refers to the campaign against the Raeti and Vindelici in 15-14 BC, which is described by Velleius Paterculus as "a war of considerable importance" (2.95.1) and which Strabo claims caused "peace and regular payment or tribute" (Geography 4.6.9).
Coins were issued commemorating this victory, such as this aureus of 15-12 BC, the Reverse of which shows Augustus passing triumphal branches to two figures, typically identified as being Tiberius and his brother, Drusus, the campaign's co-commanders.
Image: RIC Augustus 164b
Image: RIC Augustus 164b
In both scenes, the focus is on Augustus' bestowing the symbols or acknowledgement of victory, which was key as all the military endeavours of Rome were taken under his auspices, i.e. with the Emperor himself as ultimate military commander.
Regardless of the specifics of the scene, what is certain is that the military primacy of the imperial family is being highlighted here. #AAOTD
