| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 208 Price realized: 95 EUR (Approx. 102 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Augustus 27 BC-AD 14. Colonia Patricia Denarius AR 17 mm, 3,25 g CA[ESAR] AVGVSTO, laureate head right / MAR-[VLT], Aquila between two standards within domed round hexastyle temple. Very Fine RIC 105a. The Temple of Mars Ultor, intricately tied to the persona of Augustus, stands as a testament to the intersection of political power, military prowess, and divine favor in ancient Rome. Commissioned by Augustus to commemorate the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, where he and Mark Antony avenged Julius Caesar's assassination by defeating Brutus and Cassius, this temple dedicated to Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger) held profound symbolism. Nestled in the heart of the Roman Forum, the temple followed the classical Roman architectural blueprint, featuring a raised podium, columns, and a central chamber housing a statue of Mars Ultor. Its dedication on May 12, 22 BC, strategically coincided with Augustus's birthday, underscoring the divine sanction he sought for his avenging mission. Mars Ultor, revered as the god of war and vengeance, embodied the retaliatory spirit that Augustus sought to channel. The temple's purpose extended beyond architectural grandeur; it was a tangible embodiment of Augustus's political narrative, emphasizing his role as avenger and guardian of Rome. As part of the imperial cult, the Temple of Mars Ultor became a focal point for emperors, who, following Augustus's example, visited to make offerings and seek divine support for their military endeavors. The temple's significance persisted, serving as a backdrop to the intricate relationship between Roman leaders and the gods they sought to align with for political legitimacy. While the physical remnants of the Temple of Mars Ultor may be scant today, its historical echoes reverberate through the annals of Rome's transformation from a republic to an empire. This architectural marvel encapsulates the amalgamation of religious devotion, political strategy, and martial triumph that defined the Augustan era in ancient Rome. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
