Nero and the Janus Temple

Historical Background 

This coin is presented as part of a series of coins that all feature similar reverse legends and images that portray Nero’s representation of peace within the empire. This coin itself is a bronze As, and it was minted in Rome around AD 62-68 by the Emperor Nero. 

Nero ruled for less than two decades, and was later regarded with particular infamy due to his many questionable actions whilst in power. He began his reign at the age of 16 in AD 54 after his uncle Claudius had passed. This coin in particular relates to a certain time during his rule when there was a lot of unrest. Around AD 64, which also aligns with the dating of this coin, a fire broke out among the shops that lined the Circus Maximus, which is Rome’s mammoth chariot stadium.[1] 

This fire was allegedly executed on Nero’s behalf, as is mentioned in ancient sources such as Suetonius,[2] as well as Tacitus, in which most of the information around the Great fire of Rome is sourced. Tacitus claimed that Nero watched the city burn.[3] The fire lasted nine days until it could be controlled, destroying 10 of 14 districts within Rome. The temple of Jupiter Stator, The Atrium Vestae and the Hearth of the Vestal virgins were three of the most significant buildings that were ruined by the fire. Disasters like these, and the accusations that came with them, proved troublesome for Nero and his reputation. Following the great fire of Rome the Roman treasury was exhausted as Nero started to rebuild the city.

This contributed to great strain on the Roman Empire and tensions began to arise outside of Rome.[4] For example, Parthia was known to be in conflict with Rome and there were revolts in Britain and Judea.[5] Conspiracies of possible assignation attempts followed Nero into AD 65, and he killed several senators and others of high regard as a means of putting these rumours to rest.[6] Nero left Rome and took a tour of Greece, turning more towards his artistic endeavours and announcing Hellenic political reforms as well as initiating building projects.[7] He returned to Rome in AD 68, failing to respond decisively to the revolt that developed in Gaul and causing further unrest amongst neighbouring countries, including forcing Galba to declare legate of the senate and roman people. The praetorian guard then declared that Nero was an enemy of the state.[7]

Coin Interpretation

The reverse of this coin depicts the Temple of Janus. Janus was the roman god of topographical and temporal passages. He was also the god of beginnings and was used to represent peace. The coins of Nero bearing the temple of Janus motif are generally accepted as referring to the peace following the cessation of Corbulo's campaigns against the Parthians.[8] Therefore, Nero used the image of the temple of Janus on this coin to commemorate the end of the Parthian campaign.[9]

The temple of Janus featured on the reverse of this specific coin is displayed with its doors closed. Around AD 65 Nero had declared peace in the empire and closed the doors of the temple, as was customary. The reverse legend reads; PACE P R VBIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT, which translates to ‘Peace of the Roman People gained everywhere, doors of the place of Janus [the Temple of Janus] closed,’ which reinforces Nero’s intended message that Rome was in a time of peace.[10] It is interesting that this inscription employed by Nero is also the same epithet used by Augustus in his Res Gestae (the first-person record of Augustus’ life and accomplishments). It highlights Nero’s intention to emulate Augustus, something many emperors previous had also done in order to capitalise off of his lasting reputation. 

The obverse of this coin shows the legend IMP NERO CAESAR AVG GERM, which is Nero’s full name and title. Nero took on the imperial title (IMP) as well as underlining his personal role as peacemaker of Rome; the irony lies in the fact that he was faced with revolts among the Jews in Judaea and ordered the executions of members of the senate after the discovery of a conspiracy.[11] The coinage of Janus caused much difficulty for Nero as his concept of peace, which he tried to display through this coin's release, ultimately came at a trying time for the Roman Empire. It put his public image as an emperor at risk with the Roman people, as well as with the countries bordering Rome.

Clearly, whilst Nero hoped to quell tensions with this coin by presenting the image of a peaceful and victorious Rome, he rather underestimated the problem. The Temple of Janus famously had both sets of doors closed by Augustus after the end of the civil wars. The doors remained shut for much of his reign and it was likely a lasting impression that Nero wished to emulate. By depicting the Temple of Janus with its doors shut, Nero was both promoting peace and also his own political agenda, marking himself as successful a leader as Augustus. 

References

[1] Newbold 1974, 858-860.

[2] Sue. Ner. 31-57.

[3] Tac. 15. 38-43.

[4] Newbold 1974, 867.

[5] Townend 1980, 239.

[6] Editors, 2009.

[7] Newbold 1974, 868.

[8] Shore 1999.

[9] Boyle & Woodard 2000.

[10] Smith 2014.

[11] Townend 1980, 236.

Credits

Written by Noelle Miles-Wilson, photos by Charlotte Dunn, courtesy of the Otago Museum.