Verdex
Verdex
1 April 2023, 23:28

Riders and chariots on the coins of the Roman Republic

Riders and chariots on the coins of the Roman Republic
According to historical research, horses were first domesticated in the 4th millennium BC. e. Later, animals began to be used for military purposes: war chariots appeared, cavalry units were formed. During the Early Republic, the cavalry included patricians, who were called equites. Later they formed a separate class of financially secure aristocrats, which lasted until the 4th century.

Riders and chariots can be seen on many ancient Roman coins. On the first denarii in our list, the head of the goddess Roma, personifying Rome, is depicted. She was often portrayed as a warrior. On the reverse we see the Dioscuri - the twins of Castor and Pollux (Polideuces). The brothers accomplished many feats, participated in the journey of the Argonauts. After the death of Castor, Pollux wished to be with his brother, and Zeus placed the Dioscuri in the constellation Gemini. On coins they were depicted as two horsemen or standing upright.
On the next denarius, a portrait of the goddess Diana, the patroness of the animal world and a huntress, is minted on the obverse. The reverse depicts the goddess of victory Victoria in a biga with a palm branch in one hand and a wreath in the other. At the same time, she holds the reins while driving the horses. Biga is an ancient Roman chariot drawn by two horses. Bigi were used in competitions that were part of the sacred games during the festivities.
On the obverse of the next coin is a portrait of Juno, the patroness of Rome. Juno, along with Jupiter and Minerva, is part of the Capitoline triad - the three most revered gods. In the upper part of the reverse, we again see Victoria with a wreath. The central part is occupied by a quadriga - a two-wheeled chariot with four horses. Quadrigi were used in competitions and in triumphal processions.
The obverse of the fourth denarius adorns the profile of Venus. Victoria on the reverse drives a triga - a chariot drawn by three horses. Unlike other coins, here the head of one of the horses is turned back. Like the biga coin, this specimen belongs to the serratus denarii, which have serrated edges.
The last coin with the profile of Apollo on the obverse features a more dynamic scene. On the reverse we see a battle between two horsemen. One warrior tries to pierce the enemy with a spear, his opponent brandishes his sword.

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