PDF hosted at the Radboud Repository of the Radboud University Nijmegen The following full text is a publisher's version. For additional information about this publication click this link. http://hdl.handle.net/2066/197438 Please be advised that this information was generated on 2019-09-09 and may be subject to change. Studies ANCIENT HISTORY “THE USURPING PRINCEPS”: MAXENTIUS’ IMAGE AND ITS CONSTANTINIAN LEGACY Abstract: This article deals with self-representation of Maxentius, who ruled over Italy and North Africa between 306 and 312. It focuses on the imagery and language that was distributed through coins and portraits during Maxentius’ reign, as well as their reception under Constantine immediately after the Battle of the Milvian Bridge (312). It argues that Maxentius revitalized the tradition of a princeps at Rome in order to play upon sentiments of neglect felt at Rome and the time. In coinage, this was most explicitly done through the unprecedented use of the princeps title on the obverse, which initially may Sven Betjes have caused a misunderstanding in the more distant parts of the Maxentian Institute for Historical, Literary and Cultural Studies, realm. The idea of the princeps was captivated in portraiture through visual Radboud University similarities with revered emperors, especially with Trajan, and through
[email protected] insertion of Maxentius’ portraits in traditional togate capite velato. When Constantine defeated Maxentius in 312, he took over some of the imagery Sam Heijnen and language that had been employed by his deceased adversary. Constantine, Institute for Historical, Literary and Cultural Studies, too, presented himself as a princeps.