CARACALLA (198-217)

"The Emperor from Africa" Septimius Severus (father of Caracalla) was the first emperor of African origin, born in Leptis Magna, located in present-day Libya. He granted Ius Italicum to several Roman municipalities in Africa, including his own hometown. This privilege meant that their land, though outside the physical boundaries of Rome, was governed by Roman law and afforded greater autonomy in dealings with provincial governors. As Roman citizens, the people could trade property and were exempt from land taxes.

This denarius indicates that Carthage also benefited from the favor of Septimius Severus and Caracalla. The water gushing from a rock depicted on the coin may suggest improvements in water supply, possibly through the construction of an aqueduct.

Tanit (Dea Caelestis) was a chief deity of ancient carthage she derives from a local Berber deity and the consort of Baal Hammon. As Ammon is a local Libyan deity, so is Tannit, which she represents the matriarchal aspect of Numidian society, whom the Egyptians identify as Neith and the Greeks identify as Athena. She was the goddess of Wisdom, civilization and the crafts; she is the defender of towns and homes where she is worshipped. Ancient North Africans used to put her sign on tombstones and homes to ask for protection.

Denomination: Denarius, Ag