CCCLXIX.

Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. OPEL. SEV. MACRINVS AVG. (Imperator Cæsar Marcus Opelius Severus Macrinus, Augustus.) The laurelled head of Macrinus, with the usual peculiarities, and the lorica strapped over his shoulders. This medal is in very fine condition, and densely coated with a rich dark-red patina; it was procured at Patras, in 1820.

Reverse, VICT. PART. P. M. TR. P. II. COS. II. (Victoria Parthica, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunitia potestate iterum, Consul iterum.) On the exergum S. C. A winged Victory seated as upon the last medal; this having been struck upon the same occasion A. D. 218. When we consider the vigour of Artabanes, who, though cooled by the resistance he met with, was yet a most formidable foe, the treaty of Macrinus may, perhaps, be allowed to rank as equivalent to an advantage. CCCLXX.

Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. OPEL. SEV. MACRINVS AVG. (Imperator Cæsar Marcus Opelius Severus Macrinus, Augustus.) The laurelled head of the Emperor, with close hair, short thin beard, and features more intelligent and animated than usual on his likeness. This medal, thickly incrusted with a rich olive-green patina, and in splendid preservation, came into my possession in Egypt, in 1822.

Reverse, 1OVI CONSERVATORI. In the field S. C. A grand figure of Jupiter majestically standing, with a fulmen in his right hand, and in his left the lance of divinity :-" Nam et ab origine rerum pro Diis immortalibus hastas coluere, ob cujus religionis memoriam adhuc Deorum simulacris hasta adduntur." Except a light mantle gracefully reaching from one shoulder to the other, the figure is naked, and finely expressed. Beneath the mantle on the god's right arm, and consequently under protection, stands a small togated figure representing the Emperor. This medal was probably struck after the sanguinary Parthian battles. The title of Conservator, or Preserver, was introduced by Domitian, when he was saved from the fury of the Vitellian party, see No. CV.; and the lance without iron, indicates a mild yet efficacious providence. This device became common, but the small figure is varied, as it sometimes holds a palladium, sometimes a Victory, and at others grasps a thunderbolt: on one which I had of Commodus Cæsar, the Deity stands on a wavy line of the exergum.

CCCLXXI.

Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. OPEL. SEV. MACRINVS AVG. (Imperator Cæsar Marcus Opelius Severus Macrinus, Augustus.) The laurelled profile of Macrinus, with the usual expression, but the beard longer than in the last,- -a paludamentum appears over the armour of the bust. A medal in the highest conservation, and covered with dark-green patina, which was purchased at Mr. M. Trattle's sale, in 1832.

Reverse. SECVRITAS TEMPORVM. In the field S. C. A female figure in full robes, resting on a column, in a singularly easy and graceful attitude, and holding the hasta pura in her right hand; a device probably minted A. D. 218, when Macrinus, being at peace with the Parthians, acknowledged by the Senate, and, having no competitor, had reason to consider himself firmly established. This is the usual emblem of Security; but the arm of the figure is sometimes raised above the head; and at others she is reposing in a chair, resting her head against her hand in easy confidence. The trite legends, Securitas Augusti, Imperii, Orbis, Perpetua Populi Romani, and Publica, express the security which the reigning emperor enjoyed, and at the same time bestowed upon the world. In that beautiful passage of the second Georgic, where Virgil extols the happy fortune of him who contentedly cultivates his own ground, he makes use of Quies in the same sense:—

"At secura Quies, et nescia fallere vita."
CCCLXXII.

Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. OPEL. SEV. MACRINVS AVG. (Imperator Cæsar Marcus Opelius Severus Macrinus, Augustus.) The laurelled head of Macrinus, with short hair and beard, animated features, and well-proportioned throat;—the bust is in armour, with ornaments on

the neck. This medal, coated with chocolate-coloured patina with green spots, is in excellent preservation; it was procured at Sassari, in Sardinia, in 1824.

Reverse. ANNONA AVG. (Annona Augusti.) On the exergum S. C. A sedent female, with ears of wheat in one hand, and a cornucopiæ, filled with fruits and flowers, in the other: at her feet is a modius with corn issuing out of it. The Annona, was such a quantity of corn as was sufficient to supply the city for a year, the providing of which was among the first duties of the emperors, either from care for the people, or from dread of them. See No. LXXXVI. The Annona Militaris, was the provision laid up in the magazines for the subsistence of the army during a campaign. By the code de Naviculariis-the mariners appointed to carry corn from Egypt, were capitally punished if they did not keep the proper course; and if they did not sail in the proper season, the skipper was banished.

It seems that Macrinus was sufficiently liberal; and though congiaria were not usually given unless the donor was in the city, we have medallic proof that this restriction was waived, that he might ingratiate himself with the people. But the indulgence of Severus, and the prodigality of Caracalla to the army, shackled the means of their successors, and, indeed, debilitated the whole empire till the days of Diocletian. With a treasury at low water, and guards at least quadrupled since Cæsar's time, Macrinus was obliged, on proclaiming his son Augustus, to promise the old donative of 5000 denarii a man, of which he gave them each 1000 in hand. While the soldiers-who had already pocketed the Emperor's first gift of 750 denarii-enjoyed these substantial pickings, the people of Rome were promised a congiary of 150 denarii each. Such was the state of the Empire, A. D. 218.

DIADUMENIANUS.

Marcus Opelius Diadumenianus, the son of M. O. Macrinus and Nonia Celsa, was born A. D. 208. At the age of nine he was proclaimed Cæsar, in the camp at Edessa, and the Senate willingly confirmed the soldiers' choice, by gracing him with the title of Leader of the Youth. That he might be still further ingratiated with the army, Macrinus gave him the revered name of Antoninus; and in order to gain a pretence for giving a large donative to allay the discontents of the army, he also declared him Augustus. His father, when obliged to quit Antioch, sent Diadumenian to be placed under the care of the king of Parthia; but the young Prince being apprehended by the enemy, Elagabalus caused him to be publickly executed as a common malefactor, A. D. 218, at the tender age of eleven years, and his head was exposed on a pike.

Diadumenian was a boy of exquisite symmetry and engaging aspect, puer omnium speciocissimus, staturâ longiusculâ, crine flavo, nigris oculis, naso deducto." He has been charged with cruelty of disposition, but the proof brought forward is a very absurd one; it seems that upon his father's pardoning Arabianus, and other conspirators, the child wrote letters upon the impolicy of clemency. These letters, as given by Capitolinus, are conceived in such set terms, as to carry internal

* Haym, in his "Tesoro Britannico," has figured a silver medal, struck in compliment to this boy's beauty; it assimilates him to Endymion, by the reverse being inscribed Diana Lucifera; but I have found no mention of this medal elsewhere,

evidence of imposture; and it is singular that this prejudiced historian should also aver that the young prince shewed great mildness and sweetness in his temper! The Latin historians, not keeping the fear of medals and marbles before them, always call him Diadumenus, and assert that the name was thus given, because he was born with a strong membrane round his head, resembling the diadem which was worn by the Roman Kings, and which therefore became hateful, in the eyes of the Public, till it was afterwards resumed by several emperors of the Lower Ages. This, however, is both fanciful and improbable, for Nonia Celsa's father being a Diadumenus, affords a better clue to the appellative. Eutropius terms Macrinus and his son "facti Imperatores;" and Capitolinus repeats the jeer uttered on the assumed names,

"Sic Macrinus est Severus, quomodo Diadumenus Antoninus."

Although no faith is to be placed in the story of the membranous fillet round Diadumenian's head, "which could not be broken," it appears that he was actually born with the omentous fold familiarly termed caul; and he has been cited as an instance of its presaging good fortune, by his rise to sovereign dignity: though after all he merely gained a fall,-" Cui hoc solum adtulit Imperium, ut interficeretur a milite." As the "luck" of these membranes was held to be transferable by purchase, they were bought with as much avidity by the Roman lawyers to ensure preferment, as they have since been by modern voyagers to escape drowning. The superstition still remains. I was once shewn one carefully put up in a tin case, by a gentleman in the West Indies, who assured me that he never embarked, even in a boat, without it;—and the other morning, accidentally tearing up the wrapper of a parcel which proved to be the Times newspaper, for April 15th, 1830, the following advertisement struck my eye.

"To CAPTAINS and others.
trouble, lowest price £20.
Doctor's Commous."*

To be DISPOSED OF, a CHILD'S CAUL. To prevent For cards of address apply to Miss Thornton's library,

Though the devices are few, there are Latin medals of Diadumenian of every size and metal, except the small-brass; but they are all of great rarity, the middle brass being the most common. One Colonial coin is remarkable, as having the name Diadumenus; and some of the Greek ones give the title of Augustus, which is not found in those of the Roman mintage. Notwithstanding the admissions of many authors, it is disputable whether this prince was ever Consul, for the

* While recording this superstition in England, I must add that I believe it exists on this point pretty generally over Europe. Nor is it the worst. Even so late as 1817, two works were published at Paris, Les Precurseurs de l' Antichrist, and Les Superstitions et Prestiges des Philosophes, in which the existence of magic is formally maintained, and the zeal of the learned and virtuous men applauded, who of erst burnt sorcerers alive!

numismatic evidence hitherto adduced, is certainly undeserving of credit; and Mediobarba, who classes him COS. and COS. II. does not mention his authority.

CCCLXXIII.

Obverse. M. OPEL. DIADVMENIANVS CAES. (Marcus Opelius Diadumenianus, Cæsar.) An interesting boyish head of Diadumenian, with short hair; the neck is gracefully turned, and the shoulders in armour, under the pallium. This medal is thickly incrusted in a deep-green patina with red spots, and is in admirable condition; it was purchased from Mr. Till, of London, in 1832.

Reverse. PRINC. IVVENTVTIS. (Principi Juventutis.) On the exergum S. C. A youthful warrior with a paludamentum over camp attire, and bareheaded, holds a sceptre in his right hand, and a lance pointed downwards in his left. Two legionary standards, surmounted by eagles, are planted in the ground by his side. See No. CCLXXXIII.

CCCLXXIV.

Obverse. M. OPEL. ANTONINVS DIADVMENIANVS CAES. (Marcus Opelius Antoninus Diadumenianus, Cæsar.) The profile of the Cæsar, with curled hair, and handsome interesting features; the bust in armour, with the pallium buckled on the left shoulder. This medal is varnished with a bright-brown patina, and is in surprising preservation; it was procured at Cagliari, in 1824, in exchange for several Carthaginian coins.

Reverse. PRINC. IVVENTVTIS. (Principi Juventutis.) On the exergum S. C. A graceful youth attired as on the last medal, holds a military standard with his right hand, and a sceptre with his left. Behind him are two other standards, united at the top by an ornament,—but there are no eagles. These probably may especially represent the ensigns placed by Macrinus in the camp, and named Antoninian, from the name now assumed by Diadumenian: "Signa in castris, et vexilla fieri Antoniniana jussit,” saith Lampridius.

CCCLXXV.

Obverse. M. OPEL. ANTONINVS DIADVMENIANVS CAES. (Marcus Opelius Antoninus Diadumenianus, Cæsar.) The naked head of Diadumenian, with a handsome chin, full lips, and expressive, though very boyish features; the bust exhibits the pallium over armour. This medal, densely cased in dark-green patina, is in the highest possible preservation, and was procured at Jerbah, on the North-coast of Africa, in 1822.

Reverse. SPES PVBLICA. In the field S. C. A fine figure of Hope with flowing drapery, and the blossom, as described under No. XXXIX. This was struck A. D. 217, and is significant of the happiness likely to follow the elevation of the young Cæsar: but this expectation was blighted, and thus another proof was afforded that "Hope is a cur-tail dog in some affairs."

ELAGABALUS.

Varius Avitus Bassianus, the son of Varius Marcellus and Julia Soæmias, the daughter of Mæsa and niece of Domna, was born at Emesa, about A. D. 205, comely in person, and of a prepossessing address. In his childhood he was created high-priest of the sun; and by a surprising revolution, compassed by the wellconducted intrigues and profuse largesses of his grandmother-who palmed him off as being in fact a bastard of Caracalla's-was proclaimed Emperor by the legions in Syria, A. D. 218. The event being duly announced to the venerable "Patres," that august and servile body confirmed the choice of the Legions, added the usual honours,

and expressed their hope that he might prove "like Caracalla!" He entered upon his first consulship, A. D. 219, calling it, however, his second, because he had struck Macrinus's name out of the Fasti, and soon afterwards inserted his own, though he had not acted as Consul suffectus in 218. He speedily displayed in all their glaring colours, his inhumanity, lust, gluttony, and folly; and after a reign so infamous that even Lampridius apologizes for writing it, he was put to death by the Prætorians, together with his mother, A. D. 222, at the age of eighteen years. The soldiers were incensed at his plotting the death of his cousin Alexander; and having found him and Soæmias in the filthy sink where they had sought to hide themselves, their heads were struck off, their bodies dragged through the streets, and the mangled trunk of the Emperor was thrown into a common sewer, with a weight tied to it, that it might never receive the rites of burial.

It has been remarked that this monster had more names than the Hydra heads; and the remark is not far from the truth. He was first known as Varius Avitus, from his family connexions, though the former has been applied to him as “a son whom various fathers shared;" he was presented to the soldiers as Bassianus; and immediately afterwards, the majesty of the name of Antoninus was profaned by his assuming it. He was called Felix, though his ideas of happiness were those of a mere brute; and among other titles, he ridiculously took that of Pater Patriæ, before he was arrived at the age of manhood. Some writers designate him Heliogabalus, as priest of the sun, but others more properly call him Elagabalus from El Gabal, a Phoenician god; the last are confirmed by the decisive proof of medals. He was termed Lupus from some cause now unknown; Assyrius from the oriental garments which he wore; and after his self-degradation he was, by his own desire, named Bassiana, as priestess of Cybele. In soubriquets he was equally polyonymous. From disgracing the Purple he became Pseud-Antoninus, and various authors have distinguished him as the Roman Sardanapalus; though it is surely too fair a name for an abandoned pathic. His many appellations did not end with his authority, for when his corpse was dragged from the Cloaca where he died it was titled Impurus, while drawn about by hooks it was Tractitius, and from its ultimate fate Tiberinus.

It is indeed most painful to wade through the memoirs of this flagitious wretch whose criminal excesses would hardly gain belief, but for the unshaken testimony of history: yet in historical questions such repugnance must not be allowed to shield, vice-a few traits will therefore be selected, to answer the "ends of justice❞—and the rest are omitted "euphemiæ gratiâ.”