NERO AND JUPITER
Legends:
Reverse: IVPPITER CVTOS
- Latin, expanded: Jupiter Cutos
- English translation: Jupiter the Preserver
Obverse: NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS
- Latin, expanded: Nero Caesar Augustus
- English translation: Nero Caesar Augustus
Nero:
Emperor Nero was born Lucius Domitius Ahenbarbus. He was known as a man who was incredibly passionate about music and was equally as passionate about persecuting the Christian people.
His father died when he was two years old, which resulted in him being adopted by his uncle Claudius (the emperor at the time). This, along with his mother Agrippina’s marriage to Claudius, is thought to be part of a plot by Agrippina to secure Nero on the throne. For a short period of time until his mother’s death, Nero’s reign was satisfactory; however, after this point, it soon deteriorated into disaster.
At the time of this coin (64-65 CE), when Nero’s empire was beginning to unravel, we have two prominent and important events: The first major event of this time was the famous fire of 64 CE. This fire, according to Tacitus (Annals, 15.38), couldn’t even be weakened until its sixth day alight. At this point it had completely decimated three of Rome’s fourteen districts and damaged a further seven. Conflicting reports are presented in regards to what started this violent conflagration, with a heavy suspicion towards Nero’s involvement. Tacitus, is not confident Nero should be blamed directly for the fire. He does, however, mark the lavish and excessive parties, which caused the fire, as something encouraged by Nero. Tacitus claims Nero did attempt to assist the victims in the aftermath of the fire with temporary shelter and grain, but noted this was too little. Considering the excessive expenditure used in the building of his new ‘Golden House’ and development of the surrounding area, it is safe to presume Nero was resented for these events.
The second major event in this time was the plot on Nero’s life by the Pisonian conspirators. This was one of the most extensive plots targeting the life of a leading figure since the assassination of Julius Caesar. According to Tacitus (Annals, 14.65.1) this plot had been in development since 62 CE. Members of this plot included centurions, tribunes of the praetorian guard, senators, equestrians and even the prefect of the food supply, Faenius Rufus, who had held the office for ten years (Annals, 15.50). Due to incredibly poor decision making and excessive public openness, news of the plot reached Nero on multiple occasions. This led to a flurry of executions by Nero including, at Nero’s delight, Seneca, his tutor, and Lucan, his rival in poetry. Tacitus describes a dire scene after these events, with many families preparing funerals. This incident involved figures from many prominent families who were inevitably executed. It is very likely this created bitterness within the upper classes of Rome in this period.
Jupiter
Jupiter was an immensely powerful deity in ancient Rome. He possessed the qualities of the Greek god Zeus, such as being king of the pantheon and god of the sky and storm. However, Jupiter also adopted a more direct role in the function and celebration of the Roman city.
Jupiter’s extensive role can be understood through the overwhelming part the triad temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus (meaning “Jupiter Best and Greatest”) on the Capitoline Hill played in Roman life and politics. This temple was used in ceremonies of victory and ceremonies of military triumph, it could function as a meeting place for the senate and was a storage place for items of great importance to Rome such as the Sibylline books. While Jupiter had an important role in these undertakings he was also important in aspects outside of his temples. It was in Jupiter’s name that oaths were sworn, meaning he had paramount importance in political life (Annals, 1.73.4). This is because invoking Jupiter religiously bound those who swore by him to comply with tasks or obligations. In this same regard Jupiter was linked to upholding the law and protection of those in political office. This is why, for example, Cicero held a senatorial assembly in the temple of Jupiter Stator (possibly also referring to the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus) and thanks him for his protection over the city during the Catiline conspiracy (In Catilinam, I).
Coin Type
This coin is a denarius type. The denarius is a medium value coin which is small and made from silver. As this coin type has neither the high value of the aureus or the burdensome weight of an As, it was likely a popular coin for middle to upper class Romans. This would have allowed the coin to reach a considerable number of individuals ranging from some of the lower all the way to the upper class. This has particular relevance for the Pisonian conspiracy, as we will now discuss.
Coin Intention
With the incidents of the great fire and the Pisonian conspiracy in the forefront of people's minds, it is likely that a coin with Nero on the obverse and Jupiter on the reverse could intend to promote a range of responses.
In regards to the great fire, the image of Nero and Jupiter together could foster an image that Nero, along with Jupiter, stand with and will ensure the safety of the city. This could intend to promote a sense of community where homes and belongings had been destroyed and lives lost.
A more widely supported theory is this coin was a response by Nero to the Pisonian conspiracy. It has been argued Nero imposed the protection of Jupiter after the conspiracy to protect himself from further plots. This is supported by evidence from Tacitus. Tacitus claims the dagger which Flavius Scaevinus planned to use to murder Nero in the conspiracy was engraved by Nero with IOVI VINDICI - or Jove/Jupiter the Vindicator - effectively consecrating it to this god and invoking his protection. The denomination of this coin then makes a great deal of sense; since those involved in the Pisonian Conspiracy were in the middle-upper class, and would have handled this coin, it may have also been a reminder to these people not to rebel against the Emperor and the gods who protected him.
As 64-65 CE was a time of many significant events and Jupiter was a deity of many aspects of life it is difficult to tie this coin with certainty to one particular narrative. However, there is stronger support that Nero was using the image of Jupiter to show legitimacy as emperor and claim a divine defence, discouraging further attempts on his life.