David Atherton Posted July 2, 2023 · Member Share Posted July 2, 2023 (edited) My latest coin sports a fantastic portrait, and possibly a neat bit of insight into the fraternal relationship between Titus and Domitian on the reverse. Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius, 14.12g Rome mint, 80-81 AD Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; S C in exergue; Concordia std. l., with patera and cornucopiae RIC 337 (C). BMC 239. BNC 247. Acquired from eBay, June 2023. Formerly in NGC holder #4938480-029, grade VF. A common Concordia type struck for Domitian Caesar under Titus after Vespasian's deification. According to H. Mattingly, Concordia here promises Domitian's 'loyal co-operation with his brother.' Suetonius would have us believe this public fraternal affection was a sham and Domitian did everything he could to plot against Titus. Dio goes so far as to say Domitian hastened Titus's death by having him packed in ice! All of this can be dismissed as nothing more than post-Domitianic gossip intended to blacken Domitian's name. The Flavian historian Brian Jones speculates the brother's relationship was one of 'mutual indifference and ignorance' due to their age and personality disparities. The numismatic evidence shows the two brothers at least put on a good public face. In hand and newly freed from its slab. Thank you for looking! Edited July 2, 2023 by David Atherton 15 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NathanB Posted July 3, 2023 · Member Share Posted July 3, 2023 (edited) Nice coin! Completely unrelated, but @David Atherton, I saw this Lord of the Rings cat meme recently and thought of your avatar: Edited July 3, 2023 by NathanB 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steppenfool Posted July 4, 2023 · Member Share Posted July 4, 2023 Great coin and write up, thanks for sharing. I am reading Pat Southern's "Domitian: Tragic Tyrant" right now, and they also conclude that there was probably no serious animosity between Titus and Domitian. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted July 5, 2023 · Member Author Share Posted July 5, 2023 52 minutes ago, Steppenfool said: Great coin and write up, thanks for sharing. I am reading Pat Southern's "Domitian: Tragic Tyrant" right now, and they also conclude that there was probably no serious animosity between Titus and Domitian. I love Southern's book ... although I ignore the chapter that delves into Domitian's psychology. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steppenfool Posted July 5, 2023 · Member Share Posted July 5, 2023 6 minutes ago, David Atherton said: I love Southern's book ... although I ignore the chapter that delves into Domitian's psychology. I'm not that far yet, Titus has only just died! I bought Southern's book over Jones' book because it was apparently more readable. Do you think the Jones book is worthwhile in addition to this one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted July 5, 2023 · Member Author Share Posted July 5, 2023 24 minutes ago, Steppenfool said: Do you think the Jones book is worthwhile in addition to this one? Definitely! Southern's is more narrative in approach. Jones is more academic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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