Vespasian Denarius. 77-78 AD. *Annona* 3.5 grams Roman Silver Denarius

Description

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Vespasian Denarius. 77-78 AD. CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / ANNONA AVG, Annona seated left holding bundle of corn ears in her lap.
Vespasian was Roman emperor from AD 69 to AD 79, the fourth, and last, in the
Year of the Four Emperors. He founded the Flavian dynasty that ruled the Empire
for 27 years.
Although some felt him to be “crafty,” Vespasian proved to be an effective emperor. He
was well liked (even demonstrating a sense of humor), and his reign was considered a
time of peace and calm. One of his first acts was to restore  the morale of the army,
discharging some and punishing others for what was termed ”indulging in excesses.” Next
he rebuilt many of the homes and buildings burned during the final days of Viterllius’s
reign. He built new temples and the massive Coliseum  - also called “the
Flavian
Amphitheatre
” Unlike many of those who ruled before him, he held no grudges
towards those who had opposed him and executed none of his enemies. Suetonius and
Tacitus both commented on his one failing – avarice. Tacitus wrote, “Vespasian showed
himself master of the situation. He restored Roman prestige and recovered her shattered
finances. It was hard that he should be called ‘miser’ for his pains.” To bring more money
into the troubled Roman treasury, he doubled tributes from the provinces, charged fees
from candidates for public offices, and sold pardons. However, he wasn’t completely
greedy; he paid salaries to those who taught Latin and
Greek
and awarded prizes to
poets and artists.
While visiting outside Rome, he contracted “undulant fever.” Upon returning home, he
avoided proper care and travelled to his summer home in Reiti. One night, after a short
swim, he caught a chill and died on June 23, 79 CE; he was 69 years old.  His son Titus
was named his successor but he would only serve two years and be followed by the ill-
prepared Domitian.
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