Silver Denarius of Emperor Lucius Verus - C.0270 Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 161 AD to 169 AD Collection: Numismatics Style: Roman Medium: Silver Lucius Verus was the son of Hadrian's adopted heir, Aelius Caesar and was only eight years old when his father died. When Hadrian adopted Antoninus Pius as his heir to the throne, part of the agreement was that Antoninus would adopt Lucius Verus as well as Marcus Aurelius. When Marcus Aurelius became emperor upon the death of Antoninus Pius, Verus became his co-emperor. Lucius Verus married Marcus Aurelius' fifteen-year-old daughter in 164 A.D., which strengthened the family ties even further. Lucius Verus is remembered for being a fairly successful military conqueror and hero. He conquered both Armenia and Medea, and even invaded the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon at a time when Parthia was one of Rome's greatest rivals. It was during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus that the plague was brought back to Rome from the East by one of the returning armies. Many citizens died in the tragic epidemic. In January of 169 A.D., on the road back from a successful campaign along the Danube, Verus succumbed to a fatal stroke.

Antique Coins
Ancient coins