In the tumultuous history of the Roman Empire, few rulers enjoyed as dramatic and consequential a reign as Titus, who ruled as emperor from AD 79 to 81. Though his time on the throne was brief, it was marked by both monumental triumph and devastating catastrophe. The gold aureus minted in AD 79, at the dawn of his rule, is a stunning relic of this pivotal moment in Roman history—a coin that symbolizes imperial authority, prosperity, and the burden of leadership in an empire perpetually on the brink of change.
A Coin of Power and Plenty
This AV aureus (18mm, 7.15 gm), minted in Rome, presents a laureate portrait of Titus on the obverse, inscribed with IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM—a declaration of his imperial titles, linking him both to his father, Vespasian, and to the legacy of the Flavian dynasty. The laurel wreath, a traditional symbol of victory, reflects his status as a military leader and divine ruler, reminding Rome of his triumphs on the battlefield.
The reverse depicts a quadriga (four-horse chariot) walking left, its cart adorned with grain ears. The accompanying inscription, TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII PP, identifies Titus in his ninth tribunician year, fourteenth imperatorial acclamation, and seventh consulship. But the real intrigue lies in the imagery: the quadriga, often associated with triumphal processions, suggests the grandeur of his new reign, while the grain ears symbolize Rome’s abundance and the prosperity that Titus hoped to secure for his people. This may allude to the Flavian dynasty’s efforts to stabilize Rome’s grain supply, crucial for maintaining order in the empire’s vast and often unruly capital. With saffron toning subtly accentuating its details, this aureus is not only an artifact of economic power but also a window into Titus’ ambitions as emperor—ambitions that would be tested almost immediately upon his accession.
Titus: The Warrior, Heir, and Emperor
Titus Flavius Vespasianus was no ordinary successor. Born in AD 39, he was the eldest son of Emperor Vespasian, the pragmatic general who seized the throne after the chaos of the Year of the Four Emperors (AD 69). Titus had spent much of his early career in the military, serving with distinction during Rome’s brutal suppression of the Jewish Revolt (AD 66-73). As commander of the Roman legions in Judea, he orchestrated the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, an event that led to the infamous sacking of the Second Temple—one of the most defining moments in Jewish and Roman history. His triumph was immortalized on the Arch of Titus in Rome, where reliefs depict Roman soldiers parading the sacred menorah and treasures of the temple.
Despite his military prowess, Titus’ reputation was mixed before he became emperor. As his father’s heir, he had wielded enormous power, leading the Praetorian Guard and handling imperial affairs with an iron grip. Some in Rome feared he might become a tyrant. But when he finally took the throne in AD 79, those fears proved largely unfounded—Titus surprised many by ruling with clemency, generosity, and a commitment to public welfare.
A Reign of Triumph and Disaster
Titus’ rule, though short, was marked by two of the most infamous disasters in Roman history. Only months after he became emperor, Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae under volcanic ash. Tens of thousands perished in one of antiquity’s most catastrophic natural disasters. Despite the devastation, Titus won public admiration by personally overseeing relief efforts, donating imperial funds for reconstruction, and ensuring survivors were cared for—a stark contrast to some emperors who neglected their people in times of crisis.
In the second year of his reign, Rome itself suffered as a massive fire tore through the city. Again, Titus acted swiftly, directing relief efforts and reconstructing the damaged areas. His ability to manage crises with compassion and efficiency earned him the title "Delight of Mankind," a rare distinction for a Roman ruler.
The Mysterious Death of Titus
Despite his popularity, Titus’ reign was cut tragically short in September AD 81, after only two years in power. Ancient sources claim he died of a fever, possibly from an illness contracted during a campaign, but rumors persisted that he was poisoned by his younger brother, Domitian, who swiftly succeeded him as emperor. If true, this would be a stark betrayal—Titus and Domitian had shared an uneasy relationship, with the younger brother always standing in his shadow. Regardless of the circumstances, his death marked the end of a promising rule, leaving behind a legacy of both military might and benevolence.
A Coin That Captures a Dynasty
This aureus of Titus is more than a piece of gold—it is a tangible link to a transformative period in Roman history. It commemorates the rise of a leader who defied expectations, responded to disaster with compassion and strength, and cemented the legacy of the Flavian dynasty. The quadriga and grain ears encapsulate the dual nature of his reign: a promise of prosperity overshadowed by the trials of fate.
Though his time as emperor was brief, Titus remains one of Rome’s most admired rulers, a man who—despite witnessing destruction on an unimaginable scale—left behind a reputation for generosity, justice, and resilience. This gold aureus, with its luminous glow and imperial symbolism, serves as a reminder of an emperor who sought to bring order to a world teetering on the edge of chaos.