2019-12-25 Wed

Aurelian was a ruler of the Roman Empire reigning from 270 to 275. During the reign, he defeated the Alamanni, Goths, Vandals, Juthungi, Sarmatians, and Carpi. By reuniting the empire, which had virtually disintegrated under the pressure of invasions and internal revolts, he earned the title of Restitutor Orbis (“Restorer of the world”).

Aurelian was born on 9th September 214, in humble circumstances. He rose through the military ranks to become emperor. He was responsible for the construction of the Aurelian Walls in Rome, and the abandonment of the province of Dacia.

During the reign, he strengthens the position of the Sun god Sol Invictus as the main divinity of the Roman pantheon. Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun") was the official sun god of the later Roman Empire and a patron of soldiers. On 25 December AD 274, the Aurelian made it an official cult alongside the traditional Roman cults.

Aurelian portrayed Sol Invictus on his official coinage. The above shown silvered bronze coin depicts the Radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian on its obverse face. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin engraved Sol Invictus holding laurel-branch and bow, treading on fallen enemy.

Image Source: wikipedia.org