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Denarius - Augustus ARMENIA CAPTA
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 19 BC - 18 BC |
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| Reference(s) | RIC I#516, OCRE#ric.1(2).aug.516 |
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|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | The reverse depicts two Armenian royal symbols in the field: on the left, an Armenian tiara rendered in detail, and on the right, a quiver and bow-case, emblems of the subjugated Eastern kingdom. These trophy-like symbols commemorate Augustus's diplomatic and military triumph over Armenia circa 20–19 BC. The legend ARMENIA CAPTA is divided across the field, with ARMENIA arching above and CAPTA appearing in the exergue below, all in bold Latin capitals. The composition is symmetrical and deliberately propagandistic, celebrating Roman dominion over the East. |
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| Additional information |
The ARMENIA CAPTA issues commemorate Augustus's diplomatic coup of 20 BC, when he recovered the Roman standards lost by Crassus at Carrhae in 53 BC and by Antony in 36 BC — a humiliation that had festered for decades. No legions crossed into Parthian territory. The return was negotiated, not won by force. Augustus nonetheless staged it as a military triumph, and the mint output of 19–18 BC was central to that propaganda effort.
The Armenian settlement was separate: Rome installed Tigranes II on the throne, asserting client-kingdom control without a formal war. The ARMENIA CAPTA legend made conquest of convenience look like conquest of arms.