Augustus and the Birth of Christ: A Convergence of History and True Divinity
The reign of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor (27 BCE – 14 CE), marked a transformative period in world history. As Rome transitioned from a republic to an empire under his leadership, another pivotal event was unfolding—the birth of Jesus Christ. While the Roman and Christian narratives may seem separate, they intersect in ways that shaped the course of history. One such connection is reflected in the ancient coins struck during Augustus' reign, offering a glimpse into the era in which these monumental events took place.
Augustus: Rome’s First Emperor
Augustus of Prima Porta, 1st century
Born as Gaius Octavius in 63 BCE, Augustus emerged as the sole ruler of Rome after the defeat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BCE. His ascension in 27 BCE marked the end of the Roman Republic and the birth of the Roman Empire. Under his rule, Rome experienced an era of peace and stability known as the Pax Romana (Roman Peace), which lasted for over two centuries.
During his reign, Augustus initiated extensive administrative, military, and cultural reforms. He reorganized the provinces, improved infrastructure, and promoted a revival of traditional Roman religious practices. His influence extended across the Mediterranean, including the province of Judea, where the birth of Jesus Christ occurred around 4 BCE.
The Birth of Christ During Augustus' Reign
According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the time of Augustus. The gospel account mentions that a census ordered by Augustus led Mary and Joseph to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah’s birth in the city of David. This decree was part of Augustus' efforts to structure the empire through taxation and administrative control.
The era of Augustus was characterized by a deep intertwining of politics and religion. While Augustus sought to revive Rome’s traditional gods and emphasize his own divine status, a new religious movement—Christianity—was quietly beginning in Judea, setting the stage for a profound transformation of the ancient world.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Byzantine icon, possibly 13th or 14th century
Coins of Augustus: A Window into the Era
Ancient Roman coins serve as historical artifacts that reflect the values, politics, and events of their time. Augustus’ coinage was a powerful propaganda tool, reinforcing his image as Rome’s supreme leader and divine figure.
Notable Coins Struck During Augustus' Reign:
The Denarius Featuring Augustus’ Portrait:
One of the most iconic coins of Augustus’ reign, the denarius depicted his youthful and idealized portrait, emphasizing his status as the “Princeps” (First Citizen).
Many of these coins bore the inscription “CAESAR AUGUSTUS DIVI F”, meaning “Caesar Augustus, Son of the Divine” (referring to Julius Caesar’s deification).
2. The Cistophorus of Asia Minor:
A large silver coin struck in Asia Minor, featuring Augustus’ image alongside religious symbols like temples and altars.
These coins emphasized Augustus’ role as a restorer of faith and order in the provinces.
3. The Denarius with the Capricorn Symbol:
Augustus often associated himself with Capricorn, his astrological sign, symbolizing prosperity and divine favor.
This imagery was meant to link his rule with celestial destiny.
4. Coins of Judea Under Augustus:
Though Augustus himself did not mint coins in Judea, Herod the Great, a client king under Augustus, issued coins during this time.
These featured symbols such as a tripod, anchor, and cornucopia, representing stability and divine blessing over Judea.
Legacy: Augustus and the Dawn of Christianity
Though Augustus never encountered Christianity, his reign set the political and social framework in which it emerged. The Pax Romana provided the conditions necessary for the spread of new ideas, including the teachings of Jesus. Moreover, the Roman roads and efficient administration enabled the rapid dissemination of Christian doctrine in the following centuries.
Coins from Augustus' era continue to serve as historical testimonies to a world on the brink of monumental change. They encapsulate not only the emperor’s vision of Rome but also the divine narratives that would soon reshape history.
In many ways, the reign of Augustus and the birth of Christ symbolize the confluence of the ancient and the divine, where the empire of Rome unknowingly ushered in a new faith that would eventually rise to prominence within its own borders.
Emperor Diocletian vs. St. George: A Clash of Power & Faith
St. George, pray for us.
Throughout history, few figures stand in such stark contrast as Emperor Diocletian and St. George. One was a Roman emperor known for his fierce administrative reforms and brutal persecution of Christians, while the other became a venerated saint and symbol of Christian martyrdom. Their legacies, however, are also preserved through the lens of ancient coinage—offering a fascinating glimpse into the era in which they lived.
Diocletian: The Architect of the Tetrarchy and the Great Persecution
Head of a statue of Diocletian, 295-300 A.D., via The J. Paul Getty Museum Villa Collection, Malibu
Emperor Diocletian (r. 284–305 AD) is best known for his radical reorganization of the Roman Empire. Recognizing the vast empire was too large for one ruler to govern effectively, he established the Tetrarchy—a system where power was divided among four rulers: himself, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius Chlorus. While this temporarily stabilized Rome, Diocletian is perhaps most infamous for initiating the Great Persecution (303-311 AD), the most severe crackdown on Christianity in Roman history. Under his rule, churches were destroyed, Christian texts burned, and thousands were executed for their faith, including the legendary St. George.
St. George: The Great Martyr and Legend
Byzantine icon of George. Athens, Greece
St. George was originally a Roman soldier of Cappadocian Greek origin who served in the army of Diocletian. When the emperor issued edicts demanding Christians pray up pagan goods and renounce their faith, George refused and publicly proclaimed his beliefs and tore up the edict in front of the Emperor. This act of defiance led to his imprisonment, torture, and execution in 303 AD. His unwavering faith made him a martyr, and over centuries, legends about him slaying a dragon emerged, transforming him into one of Christianity’s most celebrated saints. Here is an amazing video, the channel of which I might frequently share in future posts (So give them a like and subscribe 😉), that goes into the story in great detail.
Coinage of the Era: A Window into Power and Propaganda
Ancient coins serve as invaluable historical artifacts, reflecting the political, economic, and ideological climate of their time. During Diocletian’s reign, coinage underwent significant changes, particularly through the monetary reforms of 294 AD.
Key Coin Types from Diocletian’s Reign:
Aureus: The gold aureus continued to be issued but saw changes in weight and purity. It prominently displayed Diocletian’s image, often with inscriptions like “IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG” (Imperator Caesar Diocletianus Pius Felix Augustus), emphasizing his supreme authority.
Follis: One of Diocletian’s most important monetary reforms was the introduction of the follis, a large bronze coin with a thin silver wash. These coins often featured the emperor’s bust on the obverse and gods like Jupiter or Hercules on the reverse, reinforcing the divine right of Roman rulers.
Antoninianus: Although debased by the time of Diocletian, this coin remained in circulation but was later phased out due to its declining value
Religious Symbolism and Coinage
Notably, none of Diocletian’s coins bear any reference to Christianity, as his administration sought to reinforce traditional Roman religious values. Pagan deities dominated the reverse imagery, a stark contrast to later Christian emperors who would prominently feature crosses and saints.
While no coins from Diocletian’s time explicitly depict St. George, later Byzantine emperors honored him on their currency. These coins often show St. George as a warrior saint, reflecting his growing status as a protector of Christendom.
Manuel I Comnenus, 1143-1180. Half Tetarteron (Bronze, 19.5 mm, 2.19 g, 6 h), Type B, uncertain mint in Greece, circa 1152-1160. Ο/Γ/Ε- Γ[I]/ΟC Nimbate facing bust of St. George, holding spear and shield. Rev. MAN[...] Facing bust of Manuel, holding labarum and globus cruciger.
The Legacy of Two Titans
Diocletian’s reign left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire, particularly in governance and economic policies. Yet, despite his best efforts to suppress Christianity, he failed to halt its spread. Within a generation of his abdication, Emperor Constantine the Great would embrace Christianity, reshaping the empire’s future.
St. George, once a persecuted soldier, became one of the most revered saints in Christendom. His story of faith and defiance has been immortalized in churches, legends, and even on coins in the Byzantine and medieval periods.
Martyrdom of Saint George, by Paolo Veronese, 1564
Conclusion: Coins as a Historical Testament
Numismatics provides a tangible link to the past, offering insights into the rulers, ideologies, and economic policies of their time. The coins of Diocletian reflect an empire clinging to its traditional gods, while later Christian coinage, inspired by figures like St. George, highlights the dramatic transformation of Rome from a pagan empire to a Christian stronghold.
The clash between Diocletian and St. George remains a powerful narrative of power versus faith, with ancient coinage serving as a silent yet enduring witness to their intertwined destinies.