Licinius II ‘Junior’ – Roman Caesar: 317-324 A.D. Bronze AE3 19mm (2.8 grams) Antioch mint:, struck circa 317-320 A.D. Reference: RIC 29 D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C, Laureate, draped bust left, holding mappa and scepter on globe. IOVICONSERVATORICAESS / Γ/SMANT, Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe and scepter; captive to left.
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In Roman mythology, Jupiter or Jove was the king of the gods, and the god of sky and thunder. He is the equivalent of Zeus in the Greek pantheon. He was called Iuppiter (or Diespiter) Optimus Maximus (“Father God the Best and Greatest”). As the patron deity of ancient Rome, he ruled over laws and social order. He was the chief god of the Capitoline Triad, with sister/wife Juno. Jupiter is also the father of the god Mars with Juno. Therefore, Jupiter is the grandfather of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. Jupiter was venerated in ancient Roman religion, and is still venerated in Roman Neopaganism. He is a son of Saturn, along with brothers Neptune and Pluto. He is also the brother/husband of Ceres (daughter of Saturn and mother of Proserpina), brother of Veritas (daughter of Saturn), and father of Mercury.
Valerius Licinianus Licinius, Licinius II or Licinius the Younger (approx. 315-326), was the son of Roman emperor Licinius. He nominally served as Caesar in the eastern empire from 317 to 324 A.D while his father was Augustus. His mother was Licinius’ wife Flavia Julia Constantia, who was also the half-sister of Constantine I.
After his defeat by Constantine at the Battle of Chrysopolis, Licinius the elder was initially spared and placed in captivity at Thessalonica. However, within a year Constantine seems to have regretted his leniency and the former Emperor was hanged.
The younger Licinius, who was Constantine’s nephew, also fell victim to the emperor’s suspicions and was killed, probably in the context of the execution of Crispus in 326.
Other reports relate that Licinius the younger was forced into slavery in the imperial textile factories in Africa, where he is noted in 336. However, the imperial rescript of 336 makes it clear that the “son of Licinianus” referred to was not Licinius II as it directs that he be reduced to the slave status of his birth. No son of Constantine’s sister would have been referred to in this manner.
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