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Probus – Roman Emperor: 276-282
A.D. –
Bronze Antoninianus 22mm (4.14 grams) Serdica mint
280 A.D.
Reference: RIC V-2 Serdica 838 var (bust type).
IMP CM AVR PROBVS PF AVG, radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right
CLEMENTIA TEMP, Emperor standing right, holding eagle-tipped sceptre,
receiving globe from Jupiter, standing left, holding sceptre.
Star in lower centre. Mintmark KA
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Royal/Imperial
symbols of power
Ruling dynasties often exploit pomp and ceremony with the use of
regalia
:
crowns
,
robes,
orb (globe) and sceptres
, some of which are reflections
of formerly practical objects. The use of language mechanisms also support this
differentiation with subjects talking of “the crown” and/or of “the
throne
” rather than referring directly to
personal names and items.
Monarchies
provide the most explicit
demonstration of tools to strengthen the elevation of leaders. Thrones sit high
on daises
leading to subjects lifting their gaze
(if they have permission) to contemplate the ruler. Architecture in general can
set leaders apart: note the symbolism inherent in the very name of the Chinese
imperial
Forbidden City
.
Probus (Latin:
Marcus Aurelius Probus
Augustus; c. 19 August 232 –
September/October 282), was
Roman Emperor
from 276
to 282.
During his reign, the
Rhine
and
Danube
frontier was
strengthened after successful wars against several
Germanic tribes
such as
the
Goths
,
Alamanni
,
Longiones
,
Franks
,
Burgundians
, and
Vandals
. The
Agri Decumates
and much
of the
Limes Germanicus
in
Germania Superior
were
officially abandoned during his reign, with the Romans
withdrawing to the
Rhine
and
Danube
rivers.
Life
Born in 232 in
Sirmium
(modern day
Sremska Mitrovica
),
Pannonia Inferior
, the
son of Dalmatius, Probus entered the army around 250
upon reaching adulthood. Appointed as a
military tribune
by the
emperor
Valerian
, he later
distinguished himself under the emperors
Aurelian
and
Tacitus
. He was
appointed governor of the East by Tacitus, whose death
in 276 prompted Probus’ soldiers to proclaim him
emperor.
Florianus
, the
half-brother of Tacitus, was also proclaimed successor
by his soldiers, but he was killed after an indecisive
campaign.[9]
Probus travelled west, defeating the Goths along the
lower Danube in 277, and acquiring the title of
Gothicus. His position as emperor was ratified by
the
Senate
around this
time.
As Emperor
In 278, Probus campaigned successfully in
Gaul
against the
Alamanni
and
Longiones
; both tribes
had advanced through the
Neckar
valley and
across the Rhine into Roman territory. Meanwhile, his
generals defeated the
Franks
and these
operations were directed to clearing
Gaul
of Germanic
invaders (Franks
and
Burgundians
), allowing
Probus to adopt the titles of Gothicus Maximus
and Germanicus Maximus.
One of his principles was never to allow the soldiers
to be idle, and to employ them in time of peace on
useful works, such as the planting of vineyards in Gaul,
Pannonia and other districts, in order to restart the
economy in these devastated lands.[14]
Of a greater and more lasting significance, Probus began
the strategy of settling the Germanic tribes in the
devastated provinces of the empire.
Antoninianus
of Probus minted in 280. Depicts the solar
divinity
Sol Invictus
riding a
quadriga
.
Probus issued many different coins during
his six years of rule.
In 279–280, Probus was, according to
Zosimus
, in
Raetia
,
Illyricum
and
Lycia
, where he fought
the
Vandals
. In the same
years, Probus’ generals defeated the
Blemmyes
in
Egypt
. Probus then
ordered the reconstruction of bridges and canals along
the Nile, where the production of grain for the Empire
was centered.
In 280–281, Probus put down three usurpers,
Julius Saturninus
,
Proculus
and
Bonosus
. The extent of
these revolts is not clear, but there are clues that
they were not just local problems. In 281, the emperor
was in Rome, where he celebrated his
triumph
.
Probus was eager to start his eastern campaign,
delayed by the revolts in the west. He left Rome in 282,
travelling first towards Sirmium, his birth city. About
Probus’ death different accounts exist. According to
John Zonaras
, the
commander of the
Praetorian Guard
Marcus Aurelius Carus
had been proclaimed, more or less unwillingly, emperor
by his troops.
Assassination (282)
Probus sent some troops against the new usurper, but
when those troops changed sides and supported Carus,
Probus’ remaining soldiers assassinated him at Sirmium
(September/October 282). According to other sources,
however, Probus was killed by disgruntled soldiers, who
rebelled against his orders to be employed for civic
purposes, like draining marshes.[24]
Carus was proclaimed emperor after Probus’ death and
avenged the murder of his predecessor.
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
.
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