2020-09-25 Fri

Marcus Claudius Tacitus was a Roman emperor from 275 to 276. During his short reign, he campaigned against the Goths and the Heruli, for which he received the title Gothicus Maximus.

In the 40 years before Tacitus assumed power, the empire was ruled by a succession of usurpers and emperors who had been career army officers. On the murder of the emperor Aurelian in 275, the army council invited the Senate to select a nobleman as head of state. This was the last time, the Roman Senate chooses an emperor; they elect 75-year-old Marcus Claudius Tacitus on 25 September, 275.

His first act was to have his predecessor deified and his murderers executed. He then defeated barbarian tribes who were attempting to invade Roman territory in Asia Minor, for which he was given the title "Gothicus Maximus". He died, possibly of a fever, while making the return journey to Europe in 276 AD and was buried at Tarsus in Turkey.

Coin in the image is an Antoninianus issued during his reign from Lyon mint. The obverse of a coin depicts Cuirassed bust facing right. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin illustrates Fides standing, holding a standard in each hand.

Image Source: https://www.numisbids.com/