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Nikopolis AE28 Moushmov 1446 of Elagabalus

Elagabalus AE28 of Nikopolis, Moesia Inferior. AVT K M AVR (ANTONIENOC AVG), laureate draped bust right / U P NOBION ROUFOU NIKOPOLITWN PROCICT, Triptolemos riding right in biga of winged serpents.

Lot No.1145. AE28. aVF and Rare!

$ 275.

Legate Novius Rufus.

Triptolemos, the son of Keleos and Metaneira, was given grain by Kore (Demeter) and sent to the human race to teach them agriculture.

Varius Avitus Bassianus (218-222 AD), better known as Elagabalus after the name of his god, was renamed Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to more closely be associated with his cousin Caracalla. (Rumors of Caracalla being his father were fostered in order to strengthen his claim to the throne.) As a boy he was consecrated a priest of the sun god in the great temple in Emesa. When he rose to power, he had the Stone of Emesa transported to Rome, and insisted that it be an object of public worship. His unpopularity grew as his cruelty, extravagance, and depravity alienated all segments of Roman society. The Praetorian guards assassinated Elagabalus -- only 18 years old -- and his mother Julia Soaemias in 222, and he was replaced by his cousin Severus Alexander, while the Stone of Emesa was returned to its temple in Syria.