Denarius (Coin) Depicting the Dioscuri

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of ancient Rome with this silver denarius, coin just 1.8 cm in diameter, minted in 49 BCE. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department Arts of Greece, Rome and Byzantium, it depicts the Dioscuri— the twin gods Castor Pollux— revered as protectors of Rome and symbols of cavalry prowess. These divine brothers, often shown on horseback with starry caps, appear here in high relief, capturing the essence of Roman mythological devotion on everyday currency. Crafted during the turbulent Roman Republic era, specifically the year Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon sp...

About the Artist

Ancient Roman

The artists attributed to "Ancient Roman" in museum collections represent the anonymous craftsmen who produced the vast output of sculpture, frescoes, mosaics, and reliefs defining Roman visual culture from the Republic (c. 509–27 BCE) to the late Empire (c. 395 CE). Individual identities remain elusive, as Roman makers were typically viewed as skilled tradesmen—often enslaved Greeks or provincial...