2017-11-02 Thu

After the fall of Roman Republic, Augustus became the first emperor of the Imperial Rome. Hence, to sustain this monarchical administration a strong hierarchy was needed, that is to say, an heir to the Roman throne was needed. The step-son of Augustus from his wife Livia, Tiberius was adopted to become the second emperor of Rome.

This second emperor of Julio-Claudian dynasty was born as Tiberius Claudius Nero. He ruled during the time of Jesus of Nazareth. The early period of his reign was damaged by trial, scandal, absence and indulgence. In his later years, Tiberius left Rome prosperous and secure due to excellent military and administrative practices.

Tiberius coinage consists of denominations in silver, gold and copper like Tetradrachm, Aureus, Denarius and Sestertius. The above-shown coin is the gold Aureus of Tiberius, it was circulated between 14 to 37 CE. The obverse of this coin depicts a laureate head of Tiberius facing left surrounded by the inscription which reads ‘TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS’ means ‘Caesar Augustus Tiberius, son of the Divine Augustus’ within the dotted border.

The reverse of this coin depicts Livia, Tiberius’ mother, seated in a chair facing right. She is holding a sceptre and olive branch in her hands. A divided legend inscribed around it reads ‘PONTIF MAXIM ‘meaning ‘Highest Priest’ within the dotted border.

His reign lasted for 22 years. He became Emperor at the age of 55 and died at the age of 77 in 37 AD. His ultimate legacy for Rome was the creation of Praetorian Guard for provinces [the imperial police].

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