Augustus & Divus Julius Caesar Bronze

The Story

Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March (March 15), 44 BC. His grand-nephew Octavian, just 18 years old, was named in Caesar's will as his adopted son and heir. Octavian initially allied with Mark Antony and Lepidus, forming the Second Triumvirate to defeat Caesar's assassins at Philippi in 42 BC. But the alliance fractured, and Octavian eventually defeated Antony and Cleopatra at Actium in 31 BC, becoming sole ruler of the Roman world. In 27 BC, the Senate granted him the title 'Augustus' — the revered one. The deification of Julius Caesar in 42 BC was a masterstroke of political propaganda: as Caesar became 'Divus Julius' (Divine Julius), Augustus could claim the title 'Divi Filius' (Son of the Divine).

Historical Context

Establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus

• •27 BC — Octavian receives title 'Augustus' from Senate, beginning of the Empire
• •Construction of the Forum of Augustus in Rome
• •Pax Romana beginning — peace throughout the Mediterranean
• •Virgil writing the Aeneid, Rome's national epic

This coin is pure political propaganda — linking the living emperor to his divine predecessor to legitimize the new imperial system.

Symbolism

Design

What Could This Buy?

This bronze provincial coin was used for everyday local transactions in Macedonia — small purchases like vegetables at market, a cup of wine, or ferry passage.

Worth Knowing

• ◈This is one of history's first coins to call someone 'God' (ΘΕΟΣ)
• ◈Caesar's assassins Brutus and Cassius were defeated at Philippi, just 100km from where this coin was minted
• ◈Augustus lived to age 75, ruling for over 40 years and transforming Rome forever

Origin

Details