Julius Caesar Denarius (49-48 BC) - Symbolizing Power, Triumph and Transformation

In the tumultuous period of 49-48 BC, during the civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great, the denarius minted by Caesar stands out not only as a piece of currency but as a tool of political propaganda and religious symbolism. The imagery on this particular Julius Caesar denarius reflects the complex nature of his rule and his attempts to legitimize his power during a time of significant turmoil in Rome. The coin's symbolism - a trampling elephant and serpent on the obverse, and a collection of pontifical emblems on the reverse - speaks to both his military might and his connections to Rome's religious institutions. Let’s dive into the rich symbolism of this coin and what it reveals about Caesar's political messaging.

Obverse: The Elephant and the Serpent

On the obverse of the coin, we see a striking image of an elephant walking right, trampling a serpent underfoot. This unusual imagery is loaded with symbolism, and its interpretation offers insight into Caesar’s political strategy.

• The Elephant: The elephant was a symbol of strength, power, and resilience in the ancient world. Though not commonly used in Roman coinage, the elephant had been featured in the Punic Wars as a reminder of Roman military might, especially during the Carthaginian use of war elephants. In this case, the elephant could symbolize Caesar’s strength in overcoming the opposition - both military and political. The calm, deliberate gait of the elephant implies an unstoppable force, portraying Caesar as a leader whose power was inexorable, capable of triumphing over any foe. The elephant’s association with both military prowess and triumph makes it a fitting symbol for Caesar’s success in his civil war against Pompey and his supporters.
• The Serpent: The serpent under the elephant’s feet could be interpreted as a metaphor for Caesar’s enemies, particularly Pompey and his faction. In many ancient cultures, serpents represented evil, danger, and chaos, often symbolizing an adversarial force that needed to be defeated. By having the elephant trample the serpent, the coin suggests that Caesar’s foes - represented by the serpent - were vulnerable and ultimately powerless in the face of his strength and military genius. This imagery reinforces Caesar’s message that his victory was inevitable and that those who opposed him would be crushed, much like the serpent beneath the elephant.

The inscription CAESAR beneath the elephant underscores the personal nature of this victory, emphasizing that it is Caesar’s power and Caesar’s triumph being represented. The elephant’s victory over the serpent is a direct statement of Caesar's superiority and his role as the ultimate force in Rome during this period of civil unrest.

Reverse: Emblems of the Pontificate

The reverse of the coin features a set of religious symbols - the emblems of the pontificate. These include:

• Simpulum: A simpulum is a ritual ladle used in Roman religious ceremonies, particularly to offer sacrifices to the gods. Its inclusion on the coin signals Caesar’s connection to Rome’s religious traditions, portraying him as a leader who upheld the sacred rites of the state. The simpulum ties Caesar’s political authority to his role as a defender of Rome's sacred customs.
• Aspergillum: The aspergillum is a brush used by Roman priests to sprinkle holy water during religious ceremonies. By featuring this symbol on the coin, Caesar reinforces his association with Roman religious rites, suggesting that his power was not just temporal but also connected to the divine, positioning him as a ruler with the gods’ favour.
• Axe: The axe is a symbol of the lictors, attendants of Roman magistrates who held the power to carry out corporal punishment. This item indicates Caesar’s role as a magistrate with supreme authority, capable of enforcing Roman law and order. It further reflects his power and his ability to command respect, control, and obedience from the Roman people and institutions.
• Apex (Cap): The apex is a priestly cap worn during religious ceremonies. Its inclusion on the coin highlights Caesar’s association with Rome’s priestly class and suggests that he was not only a military and political leader but also a protector of Rome's religious integrity. This reinforces the idea that Caesar’s authority was not merely secular but also rooted in Rome’s religious and cultural traditions.

These religious emblems on the reverse of the coin serve a dual purpose: they remind the public of Caesar's connection to Rome’s divine favor and also reinforce his legitimacy. During this period, religious legitimacy was essential for Roman rulers, and by associating himself with the pontifical symbols, Caesar sought to position himself as not only the military victor but also as a leader who was divinely sanctioned.

Caesar’s Political Messaging in 49-48 BC

The period in which this coin was minted 49-48 BC was one of immense political upheaval. Caesar had famously crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, initiating a civil war against his former ally, Pompey. As Caesar marched toward Rome and eventually defeated Pompey, his control over the city grew. However, he was not merely seeking military victory; Caesar was also keen on securing his political legitimacy. This coin was likely minted as part of a broader effort to communicate Caesar’s dominance not just through military means but through his ability to restore order to the Roman state. The religious symbols on the reverse helped to align Caesar with the sacred traditions of Rome, making his rule appear divinely sanctioned. In a time when the republic was crumbling, Caesar's association with Rome’s religious institutions helped present him as a protector of the Republic’s values, even if his actions would ultimately lead to the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire. Additionally, the elephant trampling the serpent on the obverse not only highlighted his military successes but also conveyed a message of inevitable victory. The dragon (serpent) represents the forces that opposed him, and the image of the elephant walking calmly over it reinforced the idea that Caesar was unstoppable in his quest for power.

A Tool of Propaganda

Like many coins of the late Republic, the Julius Caesar denarius served as a propaganda tool, carefully designed to communicate specific political messages to the Roman populace. Coins were ubiquitous in the Roman world, and as such, they were an ideal medium for disseminating ideas about power, victory, and legitimacy. Through the use of symbolism, Caesar made it clear that his victory over Pompey was not just a military conquest but a triumph of Rome’s values and divine favour. The elephant and serpent image communicated his military might and invincibility, while the pontifical emblems reinforced his connection to Rome’s religious traditions. These elements worked together to bolster Caesar’s image as a leader who was both a protector of Rome and a ruler whose authority had divine backing.

Caesar’s Legacy in Coinage

The Julius Caesar denarius of 49-48 BC is a remarkable example of how ancient rulers used coins to craft their public image. With the elephant trampling the serpent on the obverse, Caesar presented himself as a military victor, while the reverse’s religious emblems solidified his connection to Rome’s sacred institutions and his divine legitimacy. This coin serves as a snapshot of Caesar’s leadership during one of the most critical moments in Roman history. It highlights the multi-faceted nature of his rule - military commander, political strategist, and religious figure - while also illustrating his keen understanding of the power of imagery in shaping public perception. As the Roman Republic edged toward its end, this coin was just one of the many ways Caesar communicated his vision for Rome's future, a vision that would ultimately lead to the rise of the Roman Empire.