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Titus Caesar Vespasianus Augustus
"Amphitheatrum Flavium – The Colosseum" The elephant on the reverse symbolizes the spectacular grand opening of the Roman amphitheater, the Colosseum, which could accommodate 50,000 spectators. The name "Colosseum" derives from the colossal (36-meter-high) statue of Nero (Greek: kolossos) that stood in front of the structure. Construction, initiated by Vespasian around 72 CE, was completed by Titus in 80 CE.
The dedication games lasted 100 days and nights and primarily featured gladiatorial combat and wild animal hunts (venationes), with animals brought from distant provinces specifically for the occasion. Approximately 5,000 animals, including elephants, were killed during these events. Martial recounts a story of an elephant that, after defeating a bull in the arena, knelt before the emperor!
Denomination: Denarius, Ag
Obverse: Laureate head of Titus to right, IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M
Reverse: Elephant standing left, TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P
Mint: Rome, 80 A.D.
Weight: 3,25 g
Diameter: 18mm
Provenance: Numisfitz
Reference : 10.2 RIC II 115, RSC 303
Collection : IMPERIUM ROMANUM 02 - Flaviens