Roman Empire, Nero

Description

Since the days of the Roman republic buildings had been very popular images on coins; the Romans' building activity and that of their forefathers in honour of the gods and in the service of the city of Rome could thus be publicised throughout the Empire. The Temple of Janus had a special significance: according to tradition it dated from the period of the legendary kings, and its doors were closed only when no war was being waged anywhere in the area ruled by Rome. Octavian had closed the temple at the end of the civil wars following Julius Caesar's assassination, thereby promising peace and well being to the realm. Nero, too, announced peace throughout the Empire at land and sea, for after a war lasting for years he had succeeded in compelling the great king of Parthia to ask him, the Roman Emperor, for the crown of Armenia for his brother. Nero handed over the king's diadem in Rome, and celebrated this recognition of Roman primacy as a great victory.