~History~
ROMAN EMPIRE
Circa 509 B.C. to 476 A.D.
Gordian III
238 to 244 A.D.
The Roman Empire
was one of the greatest empires of all time. For over 1000 years
it influenced the known world through its culture and military
might. To insure its control and expansion efforts, it produced
huge amounts of money in the form of COINS. The word "money"
itself comes from the Roman (Latin) word "Moneta".
Roman imperial coins from 1st
to 4th century A.D. portray the bust of the Emperor on the obverse
side of the coin, with scenes of deities, historical events
or political messages on the reverse side.
Prior to Augustus Caesar, Rome
(Roma) was ruled by the Senate and was considered a Republic.
Coins of this time period featured "gods and goddesses"
that were important to the Roman people, as well as, scenes
that depicted important battles, or events. Each "god or
goddess" had their sphere of domain and influence. *(See
Mythology)
Roman coins were made of gold,
silver, bronze or some combination thereof. Many of the coins
were newly minted before being buried some 1500 to 2000 years
ago, and have been well cared for since recovery. Personal ownership
and enjoyment of these historical ancient artifacts (in very
fine condition) is possible because of the large numbers produced
and preserved.
Gordian III
Marcus Antonius
Gordianus Pius (January 20, 225 – February 11, 244), known
in English as Gordian III, was Roman Emperor from 238 to 244.
Gordian was the son of Antonia Gordiana and his father was an
unnamed Roman Senator who died before 238.
Antonia Gordiana
was the daughter of Emperor Gordian I and younger sister of
Emperor Gordian II. Very little is known on his early life before
becoming Roman Emperor. Gordian had assumed the name of his
maternal grandfather.
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