Roman Coin Pack

Military Campaigns and Rebellion

Product History

Sestertuis of Nero 54-68AD - During Nero's reign Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni tribe in East Anglia, led her famous rebellion. Following the death of her husband, King Pratsutagus, the Romans decided to take the tribal territory for themselves in spite of the late king having willed his kingdom jointly to his two daughters and the emperor. The Romans were extremely brutal, forcing Boudicca to lead her tribe and the neighbouring Trinovantes in revolt against Colchester and then to London. Both cities were burned and the people massacred before the rebels turned north to engulf St. Albans. Suetonius Paulinus, Roman governor, led two legions to crush the rebellion. It is said that 80,000 Britons died to 800 Romans. Boudicca escaped only to take poison. The rebellion was over.

On the reverse of this coin Nero reinforces his military strength by picturing himself as a soldier on horseback in "decursio" or combat.

Denarius of Titus 79-81AD- Titus was the son of the Emperor Vespasian. Wales and South West of Britain were conquered buring his rule. The reverse of this coin shows an eagle. This was usually associated with a dead emperor being taken to heaven. As Titus was still alive the deification was to his father.

Roman Coins as Newspapers - Roman coins were not just a means of paying for goods. The reverse of the coins were used to communicate great events. Alternatively, the reverse was used to promote the image and status of the emperor to his people. For example the emperor may have depicted a god that had attributes with which he wished to be associated. The coins were circulated throughout the empire bringing news, perhaps of events that had taken place far away.

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