Art Resource - ART307014

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Brass sestertius of Hadrian, Roman, early 2nd CE. D: approx. 3.5cm. Inv. CE RM3.1672. - All Roman emperors found it vital to stay popular with the soldiers. The usual way for an emperor to make contact with the common soldier was through the ritual of the adlocutio, or imperial address. These morale-boosting talks are depicted on the reverses of many coins of the early Empire. On this particular coin the Emperor Hadrian is before the army of Britain. He is on horseback, looking like he has just arrived. His horse appears to be drawing to a halt - an elegant pose known as diatrochazein, much favoured in classical and renaissance art for equestrian statues. Hadrian holds his hand above his head to attract the attention of the troops he is about to address. Only the front of the legion is shown: the standard-bearers wearing their traditional lion-skin headresses. The legend below reads EXERC[ITVS] BRITANNICVS ('army of Britain').

Location British Museum/London/Great Britain

Unique Identifier ART307014

Type Image

Purpose Public

Size 3600px × 1794px

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