Heraclea Pontica had a complicated relationship with Rome by the time Septimius Severus came to power — the city had backed Pescennius Niger in the civil war of 193–194, and Severus's eventual victory left it politically exposed. Local bronze issues bearing the emperor's name from this period functioned partly as civic diplomacy, a visible alignment with the winning faction after Niger's defeat at Issus.
The city's mint operated with considerable autonomy under the Severan dynasty, producing civic bronzes well into the third century.
Heraclea Pontica had a complicated relationship with Rome by the time Septimius Severus came to power — the city had backed Pescennius Niger in the civil war of 193–194, and Severus's eventual victory left it politically exposed. Local bronze issues bearing the emperor's name from this period functioned partly as civic diplomacy, a visible alignment with the winning faction after Niger's defeat at Issus.
The city's mint operated with considerable autonomy under the Severan dynasty, producing civic bronzes well into the third century.