2016-06-22 Wed

An ancient bronze Roman Imperial sestertius coin, minted by Emperor Gordian III, who ruled the Roman Empire from 238 AD to 244 AD, is showcased at The Vanishing Texana Museum.

The obverse features Gordian III’s portrait. Other inscriptions include “M ANT GORDIANUS,” which is the Latin version of his name. The reverse depicts the goddess Pax, or Peace. Other inscriptions on the reverse include “PAX AETERNA,” which means “Eternal Peace” in Latin. “S” and “C” inscriptions on the reverse denote “Senatus Consulto,” a term suggesting that the Roman Senate has approved the coin’s value.

Born on 20th 225 AD, Gordian was the grandson and nephew of two earlier kings who shared the same name. He became the Roman leader when he was 13 and was killed during a battle in Mesopotamia on 11th February, 244 AD, at the age of 19. Some historians believe that he was killed by his own men as they wanted Philip to take over his throne. There is no strong evidence to confirm this fact though.

The museum is located at 302 S. Bolton, Jacksonville Senior Center, Discount City.