Bellum ad Danuvinus limes: The Self-Representation of Emperor Gallienus’ Power (253–268) through Coinage from the Mints at Segestica and Viminacium

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Published: May 22, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14232/suc.2022.3.291-318
Keywords:
Numismatics, Self-representation, Segestica, Siscia, Viminacium, Gallienus, Valerian, Roman Army

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David Serrano Ordozgoiti
Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Abstract

In the following article we propose to reconstruct, through the numismatic record, the image of power shaped in the mints of Segestica and Viminacium by the emperor Gallienus (253-268). After a brief historical introduction, we will first examine the two mints in question, and then go on to statistically analyse their numismatic production: the denominations used, the most frequently repeated reverse legends, the divinities most involved in numismatic propaganda, the most frequently used configuration of the emperor’s image on the reverse and finally, the most common reverse types related to the army and the triumph. We will see how much of the emperor’s propaganda effort is focused on promoting Gallienus as a battle-hardened and victorious general, his legions as loyal to his figure and the lasting peace that his campaigns bring to the Danubian limes and adjacent regions.

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How to Cite
Serrano Ordozgoiti, D. (2023). Bellum ad Danuvinus limes: The Self-Representation of Emperor Gallienus’ Power (253–268) through Coinage from the Mints at Segestica and Viminacium. Sapiens Ubique Civis, 3, 291–318. https://doi.org/10.14232/suc.2022.3.291-318
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Vol. 3 (2022): Sapiens ubique civis III
Section
Articles
Author Biography

David Serrano Ordozgoiti, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Bachelor in History from the UCM (2015) and Interuniversity Master’s Degree in History and Sciences of Antiquity UAM/UCM (2017), he is currently working on his doctoral thesis entitled Image and self-representation of the emperor Publius Licinius Gallienus (253-268). He has been awarded the Extraordinary End-of-Degree Prize in History and has worked on several research projects on Antiquity at the CSIC and the Epigraphic Archive of Hispania UCM. He is the director of the editorial committee of the journal Antesteria. Debates de Historia Antigua and contributor to the journals Hispania Epigraphica, Gerión and Boletín del Archivo Epigráfico de Hispania. He has also participated in archaeological excavations in Spain and Italy. His main line of research is the image of imperial power, especially during the 3rd century. On this subject he has written several articles in journals and participated in many national and international congresses. In addition, he has also dealt in depth with Roman religion, mainly through epigraphic sources, on which he has written several articles and book chapters and participated in various colloquia and research projects.