Tiberius and the Ara Providentia

Historical Background

This coin is a bronze as. It was minted in Rome under the reign of Tiberius and dates back to about AD 22 - 30.[1] During this period there was political instability and civil unrest in Rome. The city had only just recovered from the death of Germanicus, who was not only regarded as a great general, but was also Tiberius’ adopted son and an heir to the imperial throne. Soon after, Tiberius’ biological son Drusus was also killed in AD 23, thus the future of Rome was uncertain.[2] Amidst public outrage and threats to the succession, Tiberius retired to Capri in AD 26 whilst still retaining the power of princeps. Two years later, he returned to Rome to assert his position and in AD 31 his advisor, Sejanus, was executed for conspiring against him.[3] As the ruler of the empire, this was a very challenging period for Tiberius and the creation of such a coin might have been necessary to help alleviate the negative atmosphere in Rome at the time.

This coin belongs to a series of bronze coins, each containing the same image on its reverse: Ara Providentiae Augustae.[4] The bronze as was the lowest denomination of coin in Rome, therefore its circulation would have been very high and easily accessible to all classes. 

Coin Interpretation

The head on the obverse of the coin depicts the former emperor, Augustus and this is evident in the legend which reads: “ DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER”. Augustus’ name is clearly minted here as well as “DIVVS” which translates to ‘divine’. This refers to Augustus’ deification whereby upon death he became a god.[5] Finally the word “PATER” translates to ‘father’ and this refers to Augustus being Tiberius’ father; therefore this coin not only commemorates and honors Augustus but also reminds the Romans about Tiberius’ connection to the former emperor as his adoptive son and rightful heir. In a time of political conflict, this coin would have been a helpful propaganda tool for Tiberius in terms of stabilising his position and reinforcing the idea that he has the right and ability to rule as the beloved Augustus once did.

The image of the Ara Providentia on the reverse of the coin particularly supports this interpretation. The altar is depicted above the legend which reads “PROVIDENT”. The large square monument has horns protruding from its top corners and a central paneled door and on each side of the altar which are flanked by the letters “S” and “C”.[6] The word ‘provident’ is derived from the latin word ‘providentia’ which means “foresight” or forethought as in the capacity to see ahead.[7] Providentia was a significant imperial virtue that was popularly emphasized on imperial coinage under the rule of Tiberius. The letters S and C stands for “senatus consulto” which means this coin was issued by decree of the senate. Many Augustan coins were minted with these letters to show that the imperial power was supported by the senate.[8]  

Tiberius established an altar to Providentia Augusta to acknowledge Augustus’ divine ability of forethought in preserving the Roman State.[8] Thus, one can see that the Ava Providentia was erected in celebration of Augustus’ foresight in adopting Tiberius as his heir on 26 June AD 4, which was also the anniversary of the altar.[9] This idea of Augustus being able to preserve Rome by preparing a line of successors becomes a large part of Tiberius’ ideology in reminding the public of his legitimate succession to the throne, and in turn his legitimacy to be emperor.[10] The heavy emphasis of his connection to the wise god Augustus sent the message that doubting Tiberius would mean you are doubting the god Augustus. This technique of using the pre-existing form of a family member in coinage was tradition for the imperial family and was significant in terms of the relationship they wanted to form with the masses and the widespread communication of ideas.[11] Augustus was generally loved by the Romans and seen as a good emperor, hence the use of his image on coins was always intentional and advantageous. The connection made between divinity and legitimate succession is significant because Tiberius was able to mask the problem of his dying family members with the suppression of Sejanus’ conspiracy plot which threatened the Julio-Claudian dynasty.[12] Not only did imperial providentia create dynastic continuity but it also promoted political stability, prosperity and peace in Rome.[13] 

There is much debate surrounding the exact date of when the Ara Providentia was dedicated and by whom. An ancient senatorial decree provides evidence that the Ara Providentia was located in the Campus Martius in Rome. Scholars argue that it was most likely decreed by the Senate before Augustus’ death but was erected later under Tiberius between AD 14 and 17.[14] This senatorial decree places the existence of the Ara Providentia well before Germanicus’ death and prior to its representation in imperial coinage. This again proves that Tiberius depicted the altar on his coins to promote and remind the Romans of the importance and significance of the Ara Providentia; the importance of his lineage and adoption by Augustus. This reveals the tendency of Roman emperors to mint significant monuments and buildings on coins in order to reinforce the ideas and messages represented by these specific buildings. 

References

[1] Sutherland & Carson 1984.

[2] Sue. Tib. 39.

[3] Sue. Tib. 61.

[4] Fishwick 2017, 185.

[5] Sue. Aug. 97.

[6] Cox 2005, 251.

[7] Norena 2011, 92.

[8] Sear 2000.

[9] Cox 2005, 252.

[10] Fishwick 2010, 258.

[11] Severy 2000.

[12] Norena 2011, 93.

[13] Norena 2012, 95.

[14] Fishwick 2010, 252.

Credits

Written by Alisi Kivalu, photos by Charlotte Dunn, courtesy of the Otago Museum.