Ancient Rome - AD 193 Didius Julianus AR Denarius NGC Choice AU
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Product Description Didius Julianus (Marcus Didius Severus Julianus Augustus, 30 January 133 or 2 February 137--1 June 193) was Roman Emperor for nine weeks in the year 193. His rule led to the Roman Civil War of 193-197. He was raised by Domitia Lucilla, who was the mother of emperor Marcus Aurelius. With her assistance, he was appointed at a young age to the vigintiviri, his first step towards public distinction. Julianus held the post of Quaestor, and then Aedile, and then around 162 was named to be Praetor. He was nominated to be commander of the Legio XXII Primigenia in Mogontiacum (now Mainz, Germany). It was in 170 that he became praefectus of Gallia Belgica, where he served for five years. He was raised to the consulship along with Pertinax in 175. Julianus received that honor due to his skill and gallantry in repressing an invasion by the Chauci, a tribe that resided in the northwestern coastal region of present-day Germany. He also distinguished himself in a campaign against the Chatti. He governed Dalmatia and later Germania Inferior. Later he served as prefect in charge of distributing money to poor people in Italy. He was charged with being among the conspirators against the life of Commodus, and had the excellent fortune to be acquitted and then witness the punishment of his accuser. He also governed Bithynia and was the successor to Pertinax as proconsul of Africa. It was after the killing of Pertinax that the Praetorian assassins declared that Rome would be led by the man who paid the highest price. Titus Flavius Claudius Sulpicianus, father-in-law of Pertinax and prefect of the city, had been called to calm the troops. He began to make offers to the murderers. When Didius Julianus heard about the auction, after being roused from a banquet by his wife and daughter, he rushed to take part. But since he was unable to enter the grounds, Julianus stood in front of the gate and competed for the prize with a loud voice. The soldiers reported the bidding amounts to the two competitors. After Julianus offered 25,000 sesterces to each warrior, the guards threw open the gates, saluted him as Caesar, and declared him emperor. The public did not blindly accept the dishonor brought upon Rome with Julianus's "election." When he appeared in public, he was greeted with groans, imprecations and shouts of "robber and parricide." The Roman mob attempted to prevent his way to the Capitol, throwing stones in order to express their feelings about the new "emperor." News of public anger quickly spread throughout the Empire. As a result, the generals Pescennius Niger in Syria, Septimus Severus in Pannonia, and Clodius Albinus in Britain, each with three legions under his command, refused to recognize the authority of Julianus. Severus marched on Rome, and Julianus attempted to negotiate sharing power with him. Ignoring those overtures, with all of Italy declaring for him, Severus was proclaimed emperor by the Senate. Pertinax was deified and Julianus was sentenced to death. According to Dio Cassius, Julianus's last words were, "But what evil have I done? Whom have I killed?" Product Specification More Information Grading Service NGC
Grade AU55
Ancient Year Range 101-200 AD
Denom Type Ancient
Numeric Denomination AR Denarius
Mint Location NONE
Designation NONE
Circ/UnCirc Circulated
Strike Type Business
Holder Variety Strike 5/5; Surface 5/5
Grade Add On NONE
Holder Type N/A