Pliny's Life and Times
Pliny the Elder was born in Comum (Como) in northern Italy about AD 23.
His family wealth enabled him to join the equestrians, the lesser aristocracy of Roman society.
Pliny served in the Roman army with a fellow officer called Titus. Titus’ father, Vespasian, later became emperor and Pliny joined the inner circle of the new regime.
He met regularly with Vespasian and held important administrative posts.
Pliny became commander of the Roman fleet at Misenum on the Bay of Naples.
He died in August AD 79 trying to rescue people caught up in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Portrait of Pliny the Elder from a 17th century edition of the Natural History. Image (c) The Tabley House Collection
Pliny with Titus
Pliny the Elder at right, shown with the Roman Emperor Vespasian seated at left.
Photo source, Science Photo Library.
'Judaea Capta' coin
Judaea Capta reverse of issues of Vespasian. Image by Paul Cliff.
Coins from the time of Pliny the Elder
1. Replica gold aureus of the Emperor Claudius (AD 41-54).
Pliny served in Germany during Claudius’ reign.
2. Replica brass sestertius of the emperor Nero (AD 54-68).
It shows the Temple of Janus in Rome. Nero’s reign was one of the very few occasions when the doors of the temple were closed showing the empire was at peace.
3.Replica gold aureus of the emperor Galba (AD 68-9).
Galba became emperor after Nero’s suicide. He reigned just seven months before he was assassinated.
4.Replica gold aureus of the emperor Otho (AD 69).
Otho became emperor after Galba’s death but killed himself after being defeated by Vitellius, another contender for the throne.
5. Impression of a gold aureus of Otho (AD 69), one of a hoard of ten such coins found at Castlefield in Manchester in 1723.
6.Replica gold aureus of the emperor Vitellius (AD 69). Vitellius reigned for eight months before his army was defeated by forces loyal to Vespasian and he was killed.
7.Replica sestertius of emperor Vespasian (AD 69-79). Vespasian was subduing a serious revolt in Judaea when Nero died. He was proclaimed emperor by the army in the east and was the winner in what became known as the ‘Year of the Four Emperors’. Galba, Otho, Vitellius and Vespasian all reigned in that year.
8. Replica sestertius of Vespasian’s eldest son Titus (AD 79-81).
Titus captured Jerusalem and put an end to the Jewish revolt. The reverse of this coin shows the province of Judaea in mourning. Pliny dedicated the Natural History to Titus.