02-17-2012, 01:52 PM
Quote:Ah yes but the question is...why would the Emperor be shown holding multiple spears? Surely one is enough to depict a spear. One in his right and two or three in his left...what would be the point if they were all spears?Indeed. But he doesn't always, does he? They might be 'reduced' lightning bolts? Or arrows? Playing devil's advocate here of course - there are more barbed weapons, so why think only of a plumbata.
I must say that I do not really like the explanation by Estiot about the use of the plumbata by Severian forces, and their disappearance from the coins as a result of military failure. When dating is possible, plumbata usually are dated to the late 3rd c. at the earliest, and then mostly to 4th c. contexts. That makes an early 3rd c. 'falll from grace' unlikely.
Could you tell me something about these coins, as to the regional spread? Were they minted all over the place or especially in Western mints? That could perhaps forge an extra link with plumbatae, which really seem to have beeen something related to troops in the Western part of the empire.
[attachment=3041]plumbataemap2012-02-16_2012-02-17.jpg[/attachment]
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)