SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS (193-211).Rome.Denarius.

Obv : SEVERVS PIVS AVG.
Laureate head right.

Rev : P M TR P XVII COS III P P.
Neptune standing left, leaning on raised right leg set on rocks and holding trident.
RIC 228.
EX BIGA.

Condition : The coin is in good condition, with a smooth silver patina that has developed over time. The surface is slightly worn, but the details of the emperor’s portrait and the reverse figure holding a trident are still clearly visible. The patina gives the coin a soft, aged appearance, adding to its historical character.Very fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 2.49 gr
Diameter : 18 mm

In Roman mythology, Neptune was the god of the sea, freshwater, and horses, closely identified with the Greek god Poseidon. Neptune was one of the major deities of the Roman pantheon and played an important role in both religion and myth. His domain extended over all bodies of water, including oceans, rivers, and lakes, and he was also associated with naval victories and aquatic activities. Neptune’s representation as the god of the sea mirrored the power and mystery of the ocean, which was a significant aspect of life for the Romans, particularly as their empire expanded across the Mediterranean.

Neptune was the brother of Jupiter, the king of the gods, and Pluto, the god of the underworld. Together, the three brothers divided the cosmos after overthrowing their father, Saturn. Jupiter took control of the sky, Neptune ruled the seas, and Pluto presided over the underworld. This division of power made Neptune one of the principal gods of Roman mythology, alongside Jupiter and Pluto.

Neptune's role as the god of the sea was critical to the Romans, especially as they became a maritime power. He was often invoked by sailors for safe voyages and favorable winds, and many temples and altars were dedicated to him in coastal towns and cities. In times of war, Neptune was also called upon to ensure victories in naval battles, and his favor was considered essential for Rome’s dominance over the Mediterranean. The Roman festival in his honor, known as Neptunalia, was celebrated in July, a time when water was scarce, and offerings were made to him to protect the waters and ensure good rainfall.

Neptune’s association with horses is another important aspect of his identity. He was considered the god of horse-racing and equestrian events, and it was believed that he created the first horse. His connection to horses led to his identification with the sport of chariot racing, a popular event in Roman culture. This link to horses is thought to stem from his original association with freshwater and rivers, as horses were often linked to river gods in ancient Mediterranean cultures.

In Roman art and iconography, Neptune was typically depicted as a powerful figure, often holding a trident, his signature weapon. The trident, a three-pronged spear, symbolized his control over the waters and was also associated with his power to create storms, calm the seas, or cause earthquakes. Like his Greek counterpart Poseidon, Neptune was seen as a moody and tempestuous deity, capable of both benevolence and destruction. His images often show him riding a chariot drawn by sea horses or other mythical sea creatures such as hippocampi, a testament to his dominion over the aquatic world.

Neptune had several notable mythological connections. In one of the myths, he competed with the goddess Minerva (Athena in Greek mythology) for the patronage of the city of Athens. While Minerva offered the olive tree as her gift, Neptune struck the ground with his trident, creating a saltwater spring. The Athenians, valuing Minerva’s gift more, awarded her the patronage of the city, but Neptune's act was a demonstration of his power.

Neptune was also married to the sea nymph Amphitrite, a union that solidified his rule over the sea. According to myth, Amphitrite was initially reluctant to marry Neptune, but he sent a dolphin to persuade her. The dolphin succeeded, and in gratitude, Neptune placed it among the stars as the constellation Delphinus. Amphitrite, as his consort, was often depicted alongside Neptune in artistic representations, and their marriage symbolized the harmonious and generative forces of the sea.

Despite his status as one of the chief gods, Neptune did not have as many myths centered around him as other gods like Jupiter or Mars. Much of his significance in Roman religion was tied to his influence over water and horses, which were essential elements in Roman life. His worship was primarily practical, focusing on the necessity of his favor for naval success and agricultural prosperity through adequate rainfall.

In conclusion, Neptune was a central figure in Roman mythology, embodying the forces of the sea and freshwater, as well as horses and naval power. His role was essential for the Romans, particularly as they grew into a seafaring empire, and his presence in Roman art and religion reflected his importance in ensuring both the safety of sailors and the success of their naval ambitions. As a powerful god of both creation and destruction, Neptune’s influence spanned both land and sea, making him one of the most revered deities in Roman culture.