The Roman Empire. Clodius Albinus caesar, 193–195. Sestertius 194-195, Æ 22.15g. D CL SEPT ALBIN CAES Bare head r. Rev. FORT REDVCI COS II Fortuna seated l., holding rudder on globe and cornucopiae; beneath the chair, a wheel. In exergue, S C. C 35 var. BMC S. Severus 533. RIC S. Severus 53a. Rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. A superb portrait and an attractive untouched enamel-like dark green patina, good extremely fine. Ex NAC sale 21, 2001, 496. From the Luc Girard collection. Describing the legacy of Clodius Albinus is no easy task: was he naïve enough to believe he could share power with Septimius Severus–who he may have known personally–or did he lack the courage and resolve to strike first? Considering his experience in government, his war record and his reputation for bravery, the answer must lie somewhere between. Since Albinus could easily have marched on Rome during Severus’ year-long absence in Syria, it seems that he preferred to wait for the right moment to strike. He probably hoped Severus would exhaust his legions fighting Niger, or that Niger would defeat him, after which Albinus could occupy Rome unopposed and with dignity. He seems only to have made an error in timing, and to have underestimated his enemy. Like Severus, Albinus hailed from a distinguished family from North Africa. He had a long and distinguished service to the Imperial army, rising to command under Marcus Aurelius and to campaign against the Dacians for Commodus. He also excelled outside the army: he was consul in 187 and served as governor of Bithynia in 175, of Lower Germany in 189, and of Britain in 191. Thus, when the crisis in Rome erupted early in 193 it is understandable why Albinus was one of three generals to answer calls from the senate and the people to end the tyranny of Didius Julianus. But fate was on the side of Septimius Severus, who marched on Rome first and was able to expel the praetorian guardsmen and extort the senate’s confirmation as emperor. He then made a peaceful arrangement with Albinus, hailing him Caesar and striking coins on his behalf in Rome, such as this magnificent aureus. With the West secured, Severus spent much of 193 and 194 defeating Pescennius Niger in the East. After Niger fell, only Severus and Albinus remained in positions of authority. By 195 the two men were at odds: Severus named his sons Caracalla and Geta his successors and forced the senate to declare Albinus a public enemy. The news could hardly have come as a shock to Albinus, who was hailed emperor by his own soldiers at Lugdunum soon thereafter. Severus remained in Rome for at least one year afterward and did not confront Albinus until January, 197. Each commanded massive armies that clashed on February 19, 197 near Lugdunum in one of the largest battles in Roman history. After an initial setback, the battle went in favor of Severus. Ancient sources, which clearly are hostile toward Severus, say that Albinus fled the field and committed suicide, after which Severus rode his horse over his corpse and decapitated him so his head could be displayed in Rome.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:53:31 +0000
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