Meeting the emperor

When Lucius turns the coin around, he is greeted by a portrait of emperor Nero, which makes it even more clear that he is the man to thank for the grain. But Nero’s reputation as it is described by ancient authors, does not exactly paint a picture of a sympathetic emperor who cares very much for his people.

First of all, ancient authors like Suetonius disagreed with the way Nero presented himself. He writes that Nero clearly had too much of a taste for food and wine, and that he smelled very unpleasant. He even went out occasionally without shoes, and let his hair grow long. Absolutely outrageous!Read more in: A. A. Barrett, et. al., The Emperor Nero: A Guide to the Ancient Sources (Princeton 2016).

Next to his love for drinking wine, Nero is also known to have loved the arts. He liked to recite poetry and perform in the theater on several public occasions. The aristocracy of Rome felt this was not appropriate for an emperor, and that Nero should be more concerned with matters of state.

Lucius, however, probably loved the games that Nero organized in the city for the entertainment of the people of Rome. And, looking at this coin, he might have remarked that Nero is a well-groomed, quite friendly looking man. The laureate crown on Nero’s head makes it clear to Lucius that he is not looking at just any man, but at the face of power. The face of power that makes sure to feed the citizens of Rome.