ROMVLO CONDITORI

Please add updates or make corrections to the NumisWiki text version as appropriate.

ROMVLO CONDITORI - Hadrian, on one of whose silver, as well as first brass coins, this legend is engraved, with a type similar to the preceding (ROMVLO AVGVSTO), is said to have held Romulus, as founder of the city, in great honour. The truth of this assertion is manifested by his having caused the day of Rome's foundation to be celebrated with more than usually grand ceremonies, as may be seen by the memorable coin inscribed ANN DCCCLXXIIII NAT VRB P CIR CON (See the description of it in its place).

Nor is the claim of this emperor to be regarded himself as another Romulus the founder, otherwise than fairly to be allowed, so many were the edifices at Rome which he built and repaired. Spartianus thus enumerates some of the renovations and enrichments of the capitol accomplished under this magnificent prince: Roma instauravit Pantheum, Septa, basilicam Neptuni, sacras aedes pluremas, forum Augusti, lavacrum Agrippae, Fecit et sui nominis pontem, et sepulchrum, et aedem Bonae Deae transtulit.

View whole page from the Dictionary Of Roman Coins

Selections From Forum Ancient Coins (BETA testing)

Home > Catalog > Roman Coins > The Adoptive Emperors > Hadrian > RS42651

^{Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D.}

Plutarch's Life of Romulus describes Rome's first triumph after Romulus' victory over Acron, king of the Ceninenses which attacked Rome after the rape of the Sabine Women. "...Romulus, that he might perform his vow in the most acceptable manner to Jupiter, and withal make the pomp of it delightful to the eye of the city, cut down a tall oak which he saw growing in the camp, which he trimmed to the shape of a trophy, and fastened on it Acron's whole suit of armour disposed in proper form; then he himself, girding his clothes about him, and crowning his head with a laurel garland, his hair gracefully flowing, carried the trophy resting erect upon his right shoulder, and so marched on, singing songs of triumph, and his whole army following after, the citizens all receiving him with acclamations of joy and wonder. The procession of this day was the origin and model of all after triumphs...but that Romulus made use of a chariot, Dionysius is wrong in asserting. History says, Tarquinius, Damaratus's son, was the first that brought triumphs to this great pomp and grandeur; others, that Publicola was the first that rode in triumph. The statues of Romulus in triumph are, as may be seen in Rome, all on foot."

RS42651. Silver denarius, RIC II 266, RSC II 1316, BMCRE III 710, aVF, Rome mint, weight 2.413g, maximum diameter 18.2mm, die axis 180^o, c. 132 A.D.; obverse HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate head right; reverse ROMVLO CONDITORI, Romulus in military dress advancing right, holding spear and spolia opima (trophy of arms); a very poplular type!; $100.00

All coins are guaranteed for eternity