Aiolis. Aigai. Messalina, Augusta AD 41-48.
Bronze Æ

17 mm, 3,57 g

ΜΕϹΑ[ΛΕ]ΙΝΑ ϹΕΒΑϹΤΗ, draped bust right / [Α]ΙΓΑΕΩ[Ν], Zeus standing facing, head left, holding eagle and sceptre.

Very Fine

RPC 2430; SNG Cop 23.

Messalina Augusta was a Roman empress, the third wife of Emperor Claudius. She was born Valeria Messalina around AD 25 and was known for her controversial and scandalous behavior, which made her a prominent figure in Roman history. Messalina married Claudius around AD 38, and together they had two children, a son named Britannicus and a daughter named Octavia. Her marriage to Claudius was marked by a series of political intrigues and manipulations, as she sought to consolidate her power and influence within the Roman court. One of the most infamous aspects of Messalina's life was her reputation for debauchery and her involvement in numerous scandals. Ancient historians, particularly Tacitus and Suetonius, depict her as engaging in extramarital affairs, conspiring against political rivals, and generally indulging in a lifestyle that was considered scandalous by contemporary standards. In 48 AD, Messalina's downfall came when she was accused of conspiring to overthrow Claudius and replace him with a new emperor. Claudius was persuaded by his advisors to have her executed, and she was killed in the same year. After her death, her memory was condemned, and her name was often used to symbolize female moral depravity and political scheming in Roman historical writings.