The FEL TEMP REPARATIO ("happy times are here again") series was launched by Constantius II around 348 AD to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Rome's founding. The fallen horseman type — a Roman soldier spearing a dismounted barbarian — was produced in staggering quantities across virtually every eastern and western mint simultaneously, making it one of the most widely distributed bronze issues of the fourth century. Alexandria's output during the 351–355 window coincides directly with the civil war against the usurper Magnentius, whose defeat at Mursa in 351 was one of the bloodiest battles of the entire century.
The ·S· officina mark places this piece from Alexandria's second workshop.
The FEL TEMP REPARATIO ("happy times are here again") series was launched by Constantius II around 348 AD to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Rome's founding. The fallen horseman type — a Roman soldier spearing a dismounted barbarian — was produced in staggering quantities across virtually every eastern and western mint simultaneously, making it one of the most widely distributed bronze issues of the fourth century. Alexandria's output during the 351–355 window coincides directly with the civil war against the usurper Magnentius, whose defeat at Mursa in 351 was one of the bloodiest battles of the entire century.
The ·S· officina mark places this piece from Alexandria's second workshop.