Thread by @DocCrom

Ancient Coin of the Day: Today we go niche with coins commemorating Diadumenian, the son of the short-reigning emperor Macrinus, from AD 217-218. #ACOTD #Diadumenian #Macrinus

Image: RIC IV Macrinus 101; Münzkabinett Berlin (18200735). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.4.…

Macrinus, the Praetorian Prefect, was alleged to have had been the instigator of the conspiracy against Caracalla, but interestingly this tradition may have owed more to subsequent emperors, such as Elagabalus, who sought to blacken Macrinus' image for their own benefit.

Born 14 September 208, named Marcus Opellius Diadumenianus, the son of Macrinus was a potentially valuable dynastic tool for the new emperor with this coin suggesting early intentions in that regard.

The Obverse shows a draped and cuirassed portrait of the young Diadumenian, with the Legend clearly naming him and affording him the title of Caesar - M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES.

The Reverse shows the young man standing holding a military standard and sceptre, alluding to the military support that had allowed Macrinus to assume power in the first place.

The same focus on military support is seen on other coins of Macrinus, such as this aureus with a Reverse of the personification of Fides again flanked by military standards.

Image: RIC IV Macrinus 22; British Museum (1867,0101.780). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.4.…

But the Reverse of our original coin also declares that Diadumenian is to be declared the ‘Leader of the Next Generation’ - PRINC IVVENTVTIS – continuing a pattern of promotion utilising this title that had been begun by Augustus with his grandsons, Gaius and Lucius.

Other issues celebrate the potential of Diadumenian, such as here where his Observe portrait is juxtaposed with a Reverse featuring the personification of ‘Hope of the State’ - SPES PVBLICA.

Image: RIC IV Macrinus 115; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 36940). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.4.…

However, this potential would come to naught. Despite being declared co-emperor at the outbreak of Elagabalus’ revolt in May AD 218, the defeat of his father’s forces at the Battle of Antioch on 8 June AD 218 marked the end of his hopes.

While attempting to flee to safety at the Parthian court of Artabanus V, Diadumenian was captured near Zeugma and executed.

The Historia Augusta (HA 16: Diadumenianus 1) notes that “his life contained nothing memorable”, but also notes that the boy was “beautiful beyond all others, somewhat tall of stature, with golden hair, black eyes, and an aquiline nose” (3.3).

For more on Diadumenian, see:

Syme, Ronald. “The Son of the Emperor Macrinus.” Phoenix, vol. 26, no. 3, 1972, pp. 275–291.

jstor.org/stable/1087835

#ACOTD #Diadumenian #Macrinus