Roman Coin Pendant - Pewter

Product History

Roman coins were not just a means of paying for goods. The obverse of the coins portrayed the ruling Emperor's face. The reverse of the coins were used to communicate great events or to promote the status of the Emperor to his people. For example the Emperor may have depicted a god that 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.

The cover image is from a mosaic and shows gladiators and magisters or trainers. Gladiators were trained warriors who fought bloody battles to entertain the ancient Romans. These battles took place in an area surrounded by seats called an amphitheatre and were usually fought until one was killed. The gladiators shown on the mosaic are secutors with a helmet and a shield and a retiarius with a net and trident.