In 260 AD, the unthinkable happened. The Roman Emperor Valerian I was captured alive by the Sasanian Emperor Shapur I, following the Battle of Edessa and marking the first time a Roman Emperor was taken prisoner, a moment that sent shockwaves through the ancient world. Rome, the unstoppable superpower, brought to its knees and Persia, rising in dominance, immortalizing victory in stone and coin.
Roman Empire, Valerian, AD 253-254, gold Binio 
Sasanian Empire, Shapur 1, AD 240-272, Silver.
These aren't just coins. They are two sides of one of history's most dramatic turning points. Power, defeat and legacy, all struck in metal nearly 1,800 years ago.
A bas relief of Emperor Valerian standing at the background and held captive by King of Kings Shapur 1 found at Naqsh-e Rustam, Shiraz, Iran. The kneeling man is probably Philip the Arab.
Cameo of Shapur 1 capturing Valerian at the Battle of Edessa
The Humiliation of Emperor Valerian by Shapur 1, pen and ink, Hans Holbein the Younger, AD 1521, Kunstmuseum Basel.
Valerian, AV Binio, gold, AD 253-254, Lyons, Obverse: draped bust right, Reverse: Fides standing left, holding two standards.
Valerian, AR antoninianus, AD 256, Antioch mint, silver, weight 3.8 gm, Obverse: draped and cuirassed bust right, Reverse: Laetitia standing left, holding purse and anchor. Eauze hoard 1563.
Sasanian Empire, Shapur I, AD 240-272, Dinar, silver, weight 4 gm, Obverse: Bust right wearing mural crown with korymbos decorated with pellets surrounded by ring of pellets, Reverse: Fire altar, flanked by two attendants wearing diadems and mural crowns.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Any inputs or feedback is welcome!