Licinius AD 308-324 Bronze Follis Cyzius

Licinius AD 308-324 Bronze Follis

Laureate bust left wearing consular robes and holding mappa in right hand, globe and sceptre in left/Jupiter standing holding Victory on globe

Cyzius mint

RCV15237; 18mm, 3.55g

 

Licinius was born in Upper Moesia in around AD 260. He was a friend of Galerius under whom he served in the campaigns against the Persians in AD 298 where he became one of his closest advisors. After the death of Conastantius in AD 306 Licinius served as an envoy to the rebel regime in Rome. When Galerius convened a conference at Carnuntum Licinius was elevated to the western Augustus to replace the deceased Severus.  This annoyed Constantine in the west and Maximinius in the east both of whom had been senior to Licinius.  War between Licinius and Maximinus was not long delayed and in AD 313 Maximinus was defeated and shortly afterwards died.

Licinius was left as co emperor with Constantine. An uneasy partnership lasted for 10 years and despite brief uprisings  it was until AD 324 that Constantine determined to rid himself of his co emperor. Entering Thrace on the pretext of confronting Gothic invaders Licinius was defeated by Constantine in 2 battles. Initially allowed to abdicate and retire  Licinius was soon accused of plotting against Constantine and was then killed.