Box 1

Scope and Contents

He was a most unworthy son of a noble father. In his last years he seems to have become insane. He was murdered on the night of December 31, AD 192.

Collection Overview From the Collection: Collection includes the original dealer description for each coin, inventories and appraisals, and some notes by Handshu. Most of the documentation consists of the dealer and auction catalogs Handshu selected his coins from and issues of periodicals which provide an overview of the market for coins. Handshu's reference books on coins have been cataloged separately for the Library's collection. The majority of the coins provide a nearly complete collection of portraits of Roman emperors from...

Scope and Contents

The praetorian guards publicly announced that they would elect as emperor the man who would pay the highest price. Julianus a wealthy senator, offered 25,000 sestertius per soldier and was duly declared emperor. The circumstances of his elevation aroused much indignation amongst the roman populace. Julianus was deserted by the praetorians and was beheaded on June 2, AD 193 after a reign of only 66 days.

Collection Overview From the Collection: Collection includes the original dealer description for each coin, inventories and appraisals, and some notes by Handshu. Most of the documentation consists of the dealer and auction catalogs Handshu selected his coins from and issues of periodicals which provide an overview of the market for coins. Handshu's reference books on coins have been cataloged separately for the Library's collection. The majority of the coins provide a nearly complete collection of portraits of Roman emperors from...

Scope and Contents

He was governor of Britain after the death of Julianus. However, he had to contend with Severus to be absolute master of the empire. They fought a great battle on February 19, AD 197 near Lyons France, and he was defeated. Albinus committed suicide and his body, together with those of his wife and children who were put to death and thrown into the Rhone.

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After he defeated Albinus, he became emperor. He spent much of his reign campaigning in different parts of the empire. In AD 208 he went to Britain to put down unrest. He repaired Hadrian’s wall, and died at York on February 4, AD 211.

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The name of Caracalla by which this emperor is commonly known is derived from a long tunic of gallic origin which he adopted as his favorite dress. On the death of Severus in 211 Caracalla reigned jointly with his brother Gata. In 212 however he had Gata assassinated to consolidate his position as sole ruler. His reign was marked by extravagance and cruelty. He was finally murdered by the orders of Macrinus the praetorian prefect on April 8, AD 217.

Scope and Contents

The younger son of Severus, he ruled jointly with Caracalla. He was murdered in February AD 212 after 12 months of joint rule. There followed a vigorous persecution of all the adherence of Geta in which perhaps 20,000 people died.

Scope and Contents

Born of humble parents he rose to become prefect of the praetorian guards under Caracalla and was party to the latter's murder. A conspiracy against him caused his army to revolt. He fled but was captured and put to death after a reign of 14 months.

Scope and Contents

Son of Macrinus. After his father’s defeat he fled towards Parthia only to be overtaken and executed.