Small treasures found in mint condition
The Domitianus Coin sits alonside enlarged representations of its two sides
The past comes to us in many forms - some obvious, some not so obvious. Sometimes it can be the little things, the seemingly insignificant objects, that illuminate the past with a light far stronger than their size would suggest. One such object is the so-called Domitianus Coin, part of the nowfamous hoard of Roman coins discovered in Oxfordshire in 2003. Standing out among the rest for the unique and striking motif that it bears, the coin is now on view in the Ashmolean Museum.
The reason why this particular coin is so interesting is the light that it sheds on the brief bid for the Imperial throne made by one Domitianus, an army officer, against the true Emperor, Aurelian (270-275 AD). Classical records had hinted at the rebellion of Domitianus, recording the fact that Aurelian had had him punished for treason.
However, it is only with the discovery of this coin that it can be proven that Domitianus was, in fact, in a position of power for a very short period of time, as he clearly had control of the mint that created the 4957 silver coins found. Archeaological tests have indicated that this was probably in Germany, in the region of Trier, which has further implications for understanding the geography of Domitianus’ uprising.
Finally, since the discrediting of the hoax Domitianus Coin held in France’s Bibliothèque National a century ago, history can be sure of the existence of Rome’s Forgotten Emperor. Not only that, but this coin also gives us the opportunity to see his face, once thought lost forever in the past. Such a small object when you see it, but with such huge significance when you think about it.
The Lost Emperor: Roman History from Oxfordshire Mud will be on display at the Ashmolean Museum until 24th July.
19th May 2005