RIC I 2 NO. 106 (I), AS OF CLAUDIUS FOR GERMANICUS, 50-54AD
This bronze coin of the As denomination issued under the authority of the Emperor Claudius depicts the great general Germanicus on the obverse of the coin. Germanicus was a member of the renown Julio-Claudian dynasty who ruled the Empire during his relatively short yet remarkably successful life. Born in Rome in 15 AD, Germanicus is counted among Rome’s most honoured military leaders with successful campaigns in a number of locations around the Empire, most notably in his namesake Germania where he led three campaigns.[1] Despite his efforts in Germania, the region was not conquered as it was not deemed prosperous enough to warrant the effort to make it part of the Empire. For this reason, alongside the rumoured jealousy of the presiding Emperor Tiberius, Germanicus was recalled to Rome in 17 AD where he celebrated his triumph over the Germans (Tacitus. Ann. II. 5, 2.)
Just as important to understanding the reputation of Germanicus are the dynamics he presented within the Julio-Claudian family. Germanicus was the son of Nero Claudius Drusus, a Roman politician and commander who also fathered the future emperor Claudius (Germanicus’ the younger). This tradition of fathering Emperors was continued by Germanicus with his son, Caligula, who gained power in 37 AD and would later be remembered as one of history’s infamous rulers.[2] This connection to Rome’s most powerful is continued further with the connection to both Augustus and Tiberius. It is said Augustus considered naming Germanicus his successor after the death of Gaius Caesar, Augustus’ grandson in 4 AD. Instead the honour was given to Tiberius who during his reign both took Germanicus as his adopted son alongside being implicated with the general’s untimely death in Antioch as it is believed Tiberius saw Germanicus’ growing popularity as a threat to his position as emperor.
Due to the nature of the imagery on this coin, understanding the impact of Germanicus is highly important as his family relations and military glories remained apparent in Roman History after his death. For this reason, he was a figure used to solidify a positive public image by several individuals, in this case by his brother, Claudius. In Rome, emphasis on an individuals family and ancestors played an important role in how one was seen by the public. This held enormous importance for Emperors and politicians presiding over an Empire famed for its vicious treatment of unpopular leaders, something perfectly exemplified in the case of Claudius’ predecessor, Caligula, who was assassinated by his own Praetorian guard (Suetonius. Life of Caligula. 56). The need to cultivate positive public image through association was of more importance for Claudius than for most emperors. This in part stems from how he was perceived prior to his ascension which was far from the image of power and glory exemplified by his brother. In the ancient sources, Claudius is described as weak in the knees, foamed at the mouth when he grew angry and had a speech impediment (Suetonius. Life of Claudius. 30). Furthermore, he had very little political experience having not been favoured by previous Emperors, his time was instead dedicated to the arts with interests in writing and history. He was never expected to rise to become Emperor with his position arising from circumstance rather than intent. Therefore, drawing connection to his brothers’ illustrious achievements can be seen as an attempt to gain positive image via association. This honouring is achieved in several ways such as establishing comic contest in his brothers honour, coinage such as this example and things like keeping the Germanicus honorary as part of his own full name (Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus). With that said, association with his brother’s military success is not baseless. One of the key successes that categorises Claudius’ legacy is his invasion of Britannia, securing Rome’s first permanent presence in the land desired for its wealth of resources. However, this was not as immense of task as it sounds. According to the Roman author Suetonius, the British enemy was already weak and Roman presence was established without battle or bloodshed (Suetonius. Life of Claudius. 17). Regardless, Claudius’ return to Rome was met with a glorious triumph and he was offered the honorific “Britannicus,” similar to how Germanicus was named for his Germanic victories. Claudius himself did not take this name but gave it to his son. With the British victory considered, honouring Germanicus through coinage in the years proceeding his victory served as a strong reminder of the great Roman who he was bound to by blood and suggests his own victory is a continuation of his family’s military contributions to the glory of the Empire.
Personal association with Germanicus and his achievements was important for Claudius yet association with not just Germanicus but his adoptive family ties was integral. One of the key problems Claudius faced in his consolidation of power was a lack of direct links to Tiberius and the Deified Augustus. Linking himself to these men was important in to legitimise his unlikely position as Emperor and to break association with his nephew and predecessor Caligula. This association is seen in less in the imagery of this coin but in the legends written on both sides of the coin (obverse and reverse). The writing on the obverse side reads “GERMANICVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N,” which translates to “Germanicus Caesar, Son of Augustus Tiberius, Grandson of Augustus.” The reverse of the coin reads “TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P IMP P P” translating to “Emperor Tiberius Claudius Caesar, Augustus, Victor of the Germans, Greatest Pontiff invested with Tribunician Power, Father of the Nation.” This coin therefore helps legitimise Claudius’ position by linking the four key figures mentioned; Claudius, Germanicus, Tiberius and Augustus. The specific reference to Germanicus as the son of Tiberius and Grandson of Augustus is integral to this. In terms of blood lineage, the closest association Claudius has to either Emperor is being the nephew of Tiberius. However, Claudius was not held in high regard by previous Emperors, and was often named as heir in the third degree. As Germanicus was the adoptive son of Tiberius, who in turn was the adoptive son of Augustus, this provides Claudius’ direct family line a far stronger association with Augustus who was without doubt the Emperor who demanded the greatest respect. This connection, while not as significant as being the adopted son himself, being broadcast throughout the Empire on Senate backed Imperial coinage (symbolised by “SC” on the reverse side) would have effectively demonstrated Claudius’ undeniable connection to Rome’s most respected Emperor.
References
[1] Christopher Pelling, "Tacitus and Germanicus," Ash. Vol. 2012. 2012: 204
[1] Barbara Levick, "Julians and Claudians." Greece & Rome 22.1 (1975): 29-38