katherinelorenz2027

Amidst the turmoil of civil war and the consolidation of his power, Julius Caesar issued a coin depicting the legendary figure Aeneas and his mother, Venus, the goddess of love. This coin, which was minted between 47 BCE and 46 BCE, holds significance in understanding Caesar’s political ambitions and the ideological landscape of the time. By examining the coin itself as well as ancient texts such as Virgil’s “Aeneid,” it is possible to see Caesar’s greater desires in politics.

Silver denarius, DePauw Classics Department, by Katie Lorenz, 2027

This denarius, one of which is now housed in the British Museum, depicts the head of Venus with a border of dots on its obverse as well as Aeneas on its reverse, carrying palladium in his right hand and Anchises on his left shoulder. The reverse has an inscription that reads CAESAR, as well as the same border of dots as the obverse (British Museum, n.d.). These images are deeply rooted in Roman mythology and literature, particularly in Virgil’s epic poem, the “Aeneid.” In Book 2 of the Aeneid, Aeneas is portrayed as a noble hero escaping the destruction of Troy, guided and protected by his mother, Venus. This story resonated powerfully with the Romans, as it connected their origins to the heroic deeds and divine lineage of Aeneas, thus elevating Rome’s status and legitimacy (Virgil 29-19 BC, 316-371). Caesar’s decision to mint a coin featuring Aeneas and Venus must be understood within the context of his political ambitions. By aligning himself with Aeneas, Caesar sought to present himself as a heroic leader, favored by the gods, and destined to guide Rome through its own turbulent times. The association with Venus further reinforces this narrative, emphasizing divine protection and favor bestowed upon Caesar, much like Aeneas was aided by his mother throughout his journey (Rocca 2018).

Enée et Anchise fuyant la ville de Troie, Hendrick van Cleve III (1525–1589)

Multiple scholarly studies shed light on the significance of this coin and its impact on Roman ideology. In his article about the coins of Julius Caesar, Mike Markowitz discusses how Caesar strategically utilized the figure of Aeneas to bolster his own claims to authority and divine favor. He argues that Caesar’s choice of imagery was a calculated political move aimed at appealing to Roman sentiments and legitimizing his rule through the lens of mythological heroism (Markowitz 1993). Similarly, in the context of civil war and the struggle for power, Caesar’s depiction of Aeneas and Venus on coinage served as a potent form of propaganda. It communicates Caesar’s vision of continuity and renewal, drawing parallels between his leadership and the legendary deeds of Aeneas. This coin, which was created soon after the battle of Pharsalus, where Caesar defeated Pompey, would have had a great impact on the Roman populace, reinforcing Caesar’s narrative of restoring order and stability after years of turmoil. Furthermore, the use of mythological motifs on Roman coinage during this period reflects a broader trend in Roman political symbolism. As discussed in studies such as one by Thomas S. Duncan, Roman rulers often employed mythological narratives and divine imagery to assert their authority and shape public perception. Caesar’s coinage featuring Aeneas and Venus exemplifies this trend, highlighting the interplay between politics, mythology, and religious symbolism in the Roman world (Duncan 1948, 15-29). Julius Caesar’s decision to mint a coin featuring Aeneas and Venus in 47-46 BCE was a deliberate and calculated act of political propaganda. By invoking the heroic legacy of Aeneas and the divine protection of Venus, Caesar sought to position himself as a transformative leader, favored by the gods and destined to guide Rome towards a new era of prosperity. This coinage not only reflects the ideological landscape of the time but also underscores the profound influence of mythology and symbolism on Roman politics and society.