Description
Beautiful and majestic piece of Roman glory brought to you by House of Emirates.
Roman Empress Salonina (as Augusta, 254-258 AD).
Æ Antoninianus
Diameter : 21,7 mm
Weight: 3.6g
Diademed, draped bust right on crescent. R/ Concordia, seated left, holding patera and cornucopiae.
Salonina was a Roman empress and the wife of Emperor Gallienus, who ruled alongside his father, Valerian I, from 253 to 268 AD. Salonina held the title of Augusta and was highly regarded during her time as empress. Here’s a summary of her life and contributions:
Full Name: Cornelia Salonina
- Role: Roman Empress
- Reign: 254–268 AD
- Husband: Gallienus (Roman Emperor)
- Children: She and Gallienus had at least three known sons, including Valerian II and Saloninus, though their exact number and names are debated.
Background
Salonina likely came from a Greek-speaking region of the Roman Empire, possibly Bithynia in Asia Minor. Her Greek heritage may have influenced the cultural policies and art patronage during Gallienus’ reign, which included the so-called Gallienic Renaissance, a period of cultural revival in the empire.
Notable Aspects of Her Reign
- Public Image: Coins minted during her time depict her as a benevolent and influential empress. Titles such as Augusta emphasized her elevated status.
- Patronage of Arts and Culture: Salonina and Gallienus were associated with supporting art, philosophy, and literature, bringing a brief cultural flourishing despite the political instability of their era.
- Religious Inclinations: She was reportedly sympathetic to Christians during a time when imperial policies often oscillated between persecution and tolerance.
End of Life
Salonina’s fate remains uncertain. She likely perished alongside her husband during his assassination in 268 AD by his own troops near Milan. This marked the end of their dynasty and ushered in further instability during the Crisis of the Third Century.
