Description:
This silver denarius coin was minted in Rome by moneyer P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus in 42 BC. The obverse side of this Roman Republic coin features the laureate head of Apollo with a lyre in the background to the left. In ancient mythology, Apollo was seen as the most beautiful god. He was the patron god of archers, the god of light, truth and prophecy, music, poetry and the arts. Medicine and healing were also associated with Apollo, as he was seen as a god who had the ability to cure. As the patron deity of Delphi, Apollo was the prophetic god of the Delphic Oracle.
The Roman worship of Apollo was adopted from the Greeks and during a period of pestilence in the 430s BC, Apollo's first temple in Rome was built at the Flaminian fields. Over the centuries, Apollo became one of the chief gods of Rome. Caesar Augustus considered himself to be under the special protection of Apollo and was even said to be his son.
On the reverse side of this ancient coin, Diana is shown with a bow and quiver over her shoulder, while she is holding a lit torch in each hand. Diana was the goddess of the moon, hunting and birthing. She was commonly associated with wild animals and the woodlands and she was believed to have the power to talk to and control animals. Diana was admired for her strength, athletic grace, purity, distinct beauty and hunting skills. She was equated with the Greek goddess Artemis and in Ephesus, Diana was worshipped at the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
