roman gold coins

Early Life and the Division of the Empire

Who was Galla Placidia? Galla Placidia, born around AD 388, was the daughter of Emperor Theodosius I and his second wife, Galla. Her early years were shaped by a rapidly changing Roman Empire. Specifically, after her father's death in AD 395, the empire split into Eastern and Western regions. This division set the stage for the political upheaval and power struggles that would become a constant in her life

Galla Placidia's upbringing within the Roman court afforded her a unique vantage point to observe and understand the inner workings of imperial politics. As power struggles intensified, she quickly learned the intricacies of alliances, betrayals, and strategic marriages. Despite the turbulence surrounding her, Galla Placidia cultivated strong relationships with influential

Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius, commonly referred to as Trajan Decius, ruled Ancient Rome from 249 to 251 AD. Roman Emperor Trajan Decius wanted to restore Rome to its former glory and ancient traditions. Therefore, he decreed the Decius' edict. This was a proclamation for Empire-wide loyalty. The Decius' edict meant that all Roman citizens needed to make a sacrifice to Rome's gods or face torture, execution and seizure of assets. 

Moreover, Christian belief would not allow for them to worship any other god. As a result, Emperor Trajan Decius cracked down harshly on those he believed were undermining the ancient traditions of Rome. Consequently, they were persecuted and tortured. Even Pope Fabian was killed! By the end of Decius'

A gold coin of ancient Rome

What is a Gold Aureus? The Julius Caesar Gold Aureus was a gold coin of ancient Rome originally valued at 25 pure Silver Denarii. From the 1st century BC to the beginning of the 4th century AD the aureus was commonly struck. It later was replaced by the Solidus. This gold Aureus was struck Caesar during the Roman Republican period under Julius Caesar by Praetor A. Hirtius.

The aureus was heavier than the same size denarius because gold is more dense than silver. Before Julius Caesar became emperor of Rome the gold aureus wasn't very common. It was Caesar's extravagant spending and trying to gain favor with the social elitist that