Colosseum Flavian Amphitheater Officially opened by Emperor Titus 80 AD The Colosseum was the greatest structure erected during the age of the Flavian emperors (69-96 AD) and arguably the finest architectural achievement in the history of the Ro man Empire. The Colosseum was originally called the Fla vian Amphitheater, but it became known as the […]

Taxation Important element in the collection of revenue in the Roman Empire. For centuries, the imperial tax system was a demonstration of the favored status of Rome and Italy, and mirrored Rome’s policy toward its prov inces and subject peoples. The government of the Republic followed the Greek model in its program of taxation, in […]

The Palace of Diocletian at Split Diocletian was the first and only Emperor of Rome who voluntarily retired from office. Upon his retirement, Diocletian built a magnificent palace where he lived, eventualy died and was burried. The city of Spalato, which means “little palace”, was the site of this wonderful structure located in the former […]

Dioceses of Diocletian Diocese was the name given to the 12 new territorial divi sions of the Roman Empire in the provincial reforms of Diocletian. The problem of the provinces had long trou bled the rulers of Rome, as governors had rebelled and had seized the throne, while the Senate had not relin quished its […]

Goths The GOTHS were a powerful group of Germanic people who played a major role in bringing down the Roman Empire in the West during the 3rd century AD. The Goths came essentially from the most northern edges of the Vistula River system, around the Baltic Sea. The Gothic culture developed as did their population […]

Constantinople Constantinople became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire replacing Rome as the heart of imperial power, it maintained influence and stability in the face of the decline of the West. In 324 AD, Constantine I the Great defeated rival Emperor Licinius at the battle of Adrianople, laying claim to sole mastery over the […]

The Legal & Bureaucractic Reforms of Constantine Diocletian had started the many processes of centralization, and Constantine first embraced them and then expanded on them. First he subjected the bureaucracy to a massive overhaul. All ministries were under the command of the MAGISTER OFFICIORUM (master of offices), who supervised the rapidly centralized government. Although this […]

The Monetary Reform of Constantine Monetary System Silver Miliarense The monetary system of the Roman Empire underwent a considerable number of changes during the reign of Constantine. While he was still only a junior partner holding the rank of Caesar, Constantine reduced the weight of the follis at the mints then under his control (London, […]

Antony’s Legions Coinage issued to pay Antony’s Legions for the final battle of Actium. Monetary System Coinage was issued for each specific legion from II to XXIII, with some varieties. Also two special issues were struck SPECVLATORVM and PRAETORIARVM Mints: Alexandria, Traveling Mint Obverse Legends: ANT AVG  DENOMINATIONS AU Aureus (6.54 grms) AR Denarius (3.54 grms) The Monetary […]

Juba II King of Mauretania Son-in-law of Marc Antony & Cleopatra JUBA II was King of MAURETANIA and the son of King Juba I of Numidia. His father had supported Pompey against Caesar in Africa and continued to support the Pompeians even after the death of Pompey. Following Caesar’s victory, Juba I fled to Zama after the […]