Ancient Coins: Dictators and Tyrants

[@MPLS_Andy]

Awesome discussion.

[@kayharker712]

Outstanding. Fresh outlook - made me think.

[@jl696]

I'm in the "like" Caesar camp. He did everything the Gracchus brothers tried to do, but failed. He provided for his veterans and gave lands to the public. He had a lot of faults but the Republic had failed at that point. There was some talk that Caesar intended to restore the Republic after it was stabilized, back to its glory days as before the Punic Wars. I'd like to think he would have done that but my realistic view of history tells me he wouldn't have.

[@HistoriaMoneta]

It would have been foolish to restore the republic as it was. By Caesar’s time the Republic had fully failed to function as a form of government for the new empire controlled by Rome. There is no universal best form of government. The best form of government for a state depends on the needs and political situation of that state. After the decades chaos, war, and political division, Rome needed a strong competent autocrat to reform the state and stabilize the political situation. Julius Caesar was that man and thankfully after his tragic murder his selected heir turned out to be able to fill his shoes. The reforms and leadership of Augustus brought on the Pax Romana and ensured a strong empire for centuries.

[@numismatik]

For me Ceasar was definitely a good dictator. He expanded the Roman territory more than majority of the Roman Emperors!

[@yo_mama6414]

He had some good policies later in his career and life

[@peterleffler5123]

...again a great lesson to learn about ancient numismatics. Thank you very much.

[@markp44288]

I just read Caesar's Gallic Wars. The conclusion of that book was that he was a force for good.

[@markp44288]

On the Tyrian coin, seems the eagle's got a little fire going between his legs roasting his chestnuts.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Lol! This clearly explains the annoyed face of the poor bird.

[@robertadam7182]

Phocas made honorius look good

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

At least Phocas suffered his fair share of divine justice. Honorius just lived his entire incompetent life in luxury while the Empire disintegrated!

[@jeffkeller9009]

Thank you for all your videos.

[@Belowbluewaterdiver]

Great video! I sense a little hint of fear you have for Caracalla. Too many kind words for the guy!

[@frazz274]

Well made video ! 👏 I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Glad you like it! :) Nearly half an hour, jeez!

[@isabelcrb]

I like buying with Savoca, they offer affordable coins!

[@TheMoneyInnovator]

Good ideas on how to start a collection. Great video!

[@BopWalk]

Amazing coins, you always find the greatest examples!

[@Crypto-Possible]

Great content! Thank you! 😃

[@freedomisthebasichumanright]

I wonder what’s the meaning of the Greek on the Caracalla reverse

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Likely "With tribunician powers for the XXth year, father of his nation" titulature very often found on denarii

[@freedomisthebasichumanright]

@@ClassicalNumismatics Thank you!

[@freedomisthebasichumanright]

@@ClassicalNumismatics I think it’s always difficult to recognize the Greek legend on Roman coins, the tribunician power in Latin is just abbreviation TR P but on Roman tets it was completely different though

[@thatoneguy7191]

Another great video! I'd recommend turning that light down a bit though, it's a little too bright

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

True, I tried some editing tricks but no luck there. I'll keep that in mind next time, thanks!

[@Whitesmokeromania]

Love the Tyrants...but maybe one day a video about roman usurpers?

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Absolutely, and Caesars too!

[@Halfdanr_H]

I’ve been collecting ancient Roman coins for over 10 years. I still don’t have a Julius Caesar coin, but I’d definitely jump at the chance to own an authentic Caesar Denarius. I see him as a political mastermind. He served his own interests at all times. He went into the army to avoid Sulla’s prescription, he was a triumvir because he needed political influence of Pompey and the financial backing of Crassus. After he was sent away to the provinces he hatched a get rich quick scheme by conquering Gaul, and after defeating Pompey’s forces he made himself king in all but name. It was all for himself, but he was accomplished at propagandising his exploits in a way to make it look like he was selflessly saving the people, portraying himself as someone who embodies the ideals of Romanitas. Weather his actions were beneficial overall to the Roman people or not was not the point, the point was to make it look like it was beneficial to the people, because to this day it’s what politicians and dictators do.

[@colbystearns5238]

I would need a major pay bump to get even a crappy, worn out coin of his anytime soon! Julius Caesar's coins are expensive (especially the ones with his face on them)!

[@oliet9947]

I’d say Caesar was a complex historical figure, not simply good or bad. I think actually much of what he achieved was forced upon him (the Gallic wars because he needed to raise huge sums to pay off his debts, the March on Rome due to the Senate’s ultimatum). He was a politician played politics, sought power and exploited the weaknesses of his enemies. However, his politics was in favour of the common people, even if it did serve his own ends. Those who opposed him espoused a political cause that sought to uphold the power of the oligarchic elite, but they also did so partially to promote their own political careers. I personally think Augustus was the true revolutionary. Caesar was a military genius and a man of fortune.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Marvelous interpretation of it!

[@donklaser217]

Another informative video. Thanks @

[@chadclay1643]

Seems like these tyrants and dictators got shit done

[@emperorfancypants2512]

Lets just hope you are not standing in their way

[@uponthefaceoftheabyss4254]

We speak no ill of Caesar here

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

This immediately conjures HBO's Marc Antony in my mind!

[@kdi9049]

Caesar is like the Trump of rome

[@darthrevan2723]

Is that a good or bad thing?

[@luciusjuniustavianus7540]

except caesar was actually competent

[@chadclay1643]

@lucius Edgy

[@colbystearns5238]

I much prefer Caesar to Trump. Caesar feels more like FDR to me than Trump (who couldn't lead his way out of a paper bag).

[@ChuckHackney]

Only I view Ceasar as more honorable and educated. And well spoken. And he refused the title thrice. Trump would never refuse it even one time. What a modern day classic evil person.