2022-03-25 Fri

Born to a Freed Slave, Pertinax was a Grammaticus (teacher of grammar). However, he withdrew from the quiet and uneventful life and entered the military. He successfully led a war against Parthia which became a turning point in his life.

In a very short time, Pertinax rose to the most powerful position i.e Prefect of the city of Rome. Pertinax proved to be an excellent ruler, which, eventually turned out to be hazardous. In early March, he narrowly escaped a conspiracy. His consul – Falco tried to replace his rule, while Pertinax was away. Though the conspiracy was suppressed, the brutal execution of the officers added fuel to the fire. As a result, on 28 March 193, was killed with a spear in his chest.

Shown above, is a Gold Aureus issued by Emperor Pertinax. The Obverse has the laureate head of emperor with the legend: IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG around. On the other hand, the reverse depicts Goddess Providentia facing left with her right hand upraised below the star and legend: PROVID DEOR COS II.

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