iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

#OnThisDay - 13 October - in AD 54 the Emperor Claudius died. Tacitus (Annals 12.67.1) reports the popular version that he was poisoned by his fourth wife Agrippina with a dish of mushrooms. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC Claudius 80; ANS 1954.256.6. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

1143

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

#OnThisDay - 12 October - in 19 BC the Senate decreed a public holiday to mark the return of Augustus to Rome after 3 years in the eastern provinces, also pledging the altar to Fortuna Redux. #History 🏺 Image: RIC Augustus 53A; Münzkabinett Berlin (18206797). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Augustus, laureate, right.

Reverse of a Roman aureus: Legend ("FORT RED CAES AVG S P Q R") in three lines inscribed on rectangular altar.

1185

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Zenobia, employing her key general Zabdas, even seized control of the mint at Alexandria in the Autumn of AD 270, creating coinage for the Palymyrene dynasty there too, including the coin at the head of this thread with its Reverse of Homonia.

131

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Indeed, Vabalathus also minted coinage at Antioch-on-the-Orontes where he featured alongside the emperor Aurelian, such as this silver Antoninianus ca. AD 270. Image: RIC V Aurelian 381; ANS 1944.100.32917. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of an Antoninianus: Bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right.

Reverse of an Antoninianus: Bust of Vabalathus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right.

131

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

The widow of Odenathus, Zenobia established herself as the successor to his power in the late months of AD 267, together with their son Vabalathus, who assumed his father's title of 'Lord of Palmyra'. Image: British Museum (EPH-ME.1301). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...

152

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Ancient Coin of the Day: a quick thread, starting with this copper-alloy tetradrachm of Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra, minted at Alexandria in AD 270-271. #AncientHistory #ACOTD #Zenobia 🧵 Image: British Museum (1860,0327.273). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...

Obverse of a Tetradrachm: Diademed and draped bust of Zenobia, right.

Reverse of a Tetradrachm: Homonoia standing left, raising hand and holding double cornucopia.

116921

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Some delightful small-scale detail with this depiction of a Circus on a bone 'game counter'. The two conical projections being the metae ('turning posts'): ca. 1st Century AD. #Archaeology 🏺 Image: Princeton University Art Museum (1996-178), Link - artmuseum.princeton.edu/collections/...

Circular Roman game counter, made from bone and decorated with a depiction of a chariot-racing Circus. The two turning posts (metae) are prominently.

0286

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

#OnThisDay - 9 October - in 28 BC Augustus dedicated the Temple of Palatine Apollo. One of Augustus’ most important buildings, Velleius Paterculus (2.81.3) claims he “spared no expense”. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC Augustus 271; ANS 1947.2.412. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

0156

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Likely #OnThisDay - 8 October - in AD 316 the Battle of Cibalae was fought, which saw the antagonism between Constantine and Licinius come to a head. The latter was soundly beaten, though survived the battle himself. #History 🏺 Image: RIC VII Nicomedia 11. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Licinius, laureate, right.

2125

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

#OnThisDay - 7 October - ca. 14 BC Drusus the Younger, son of the Emperor Tiberius, was born. His death in AD 23 was thought natural, though it was later alleged that he had been poisoned by Sejanus. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC Tiberius 45; ANS 1957.172.1519. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman As: Head of Drusus, bare, left.

315728

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

#OnThisDay - 5 October - in AD 578 the Eastern Emperor Justin II died. Said to have been afflicted with 'madness' in his reign's final years, his wife Sophia and adopted son, Tiberius, acted as regents from AD 574. #History 🏺 Image: British Museum (B.10404). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...

Obverse of a gold solidus: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Justin II, front, holding Victory on globe and shield.

Reverse of a gold solidus: Constantinopolis seated with head right, holding sceptre and cross on globe (globus cruciger).

0196

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 29 September - in 106 BC Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus was born. Pompey was a key figure of the Late Republic, forming the First Triumvirate with Caesar and Crassus, but would be killed in Egypt one day shy of his 58th birthday. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen

15010

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 24 September - in AD 15 Aulus Vitellius was born. He would reign as Roman Emperor from 16 April-22 December AD 69. Tacitus described him as “ignorant of all law, human and divine” (Hist.2.91). #History 🏺 Image: RIC Vitellius 72; ANS 1967.152.354. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Laureate portrait of Vitellius, right.

2319

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 21 September - in AD 37 the emperor Gaius accepted the title 'Pater Patriae' (Father of the Fatherland). Dio (59.3.2) notes it was the only title he had not taken upon his accession. #History 🏺 Image: RIC Gaius 1; British Museum (1964,1203.84). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Caligula, bare, right.

1184

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

#MosaicMonday meets #OnThisDay - 21 September 19 BC is the date usually given for the death of Virgil. So here's the 3rd Century AD mosaic from Hadrumetum - Virgil flanked by the Muses Clio and Melpomene. The scroll on his lap has the text of Aeneid 1.8. #Virgil🏺 Image: Bardo National Museum, Tunis

Virgil, seated upon a chair, is flanked by the Muses Clio and Melpomene. The scroll on his lap has the text of Aeneid 1.8, "Musa, mihi causas memora" - 'Muse, tell me of the causes..."

2348

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

#MosaicMonday - A vibrant representation of Bellerophon and the Chimaera: ca, 4th Century AD. Discovered at the farmhouse of Can Pau Birol, near Girona, in 1876. #Archaeology 🏺 Image: Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya - Barcelona (MAC BCN-005163). Link - arqueoxarxa.colleccions.cat/objecte/mac-...

Emblema from a large polychrome mosaic surrounded by a roped border. The emblema represents the fight between Bellerophon, who rides the winged horse Pegasus, against Chimera.

1428

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 14 September - in AD 208 Marcus Opellius Antoninus Diadumenianus (better known as Diadumenian) was born. Son of the emperor Macrinus, he served as Caesar in AD 217-218. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC IV Macrinus 115; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 36940). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

1183

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 14 September - in AD 81 Domitian, the last Flavian ruler, became emperor of Rome following the death of his brother Titus "for whom he could not have cared less" (Dio 67.2.6). #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC 2.1 Domitian 80; BnF Variant (IMP-9007). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

1114

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 13 September - in AD 81 Titus Caesar Vespasianus, the second of the Flavian emperors, died after a reign of two year, two months, and twenty days (Dio 66.26.4). #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC 2.1 Domitian 147; British Museum (R.10761). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Divus Titus, radiate, right.

Reverse of a Roman aureus: Bust of Julia Titi, draped, right; hair bundled in front and in long plait in back.

13711

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 11 September - in AD 59 the Arval Brethren conducted sacrifices to celebrate the safe return of Nero to Rome: an ox for the emperor's divine spirit, a cow for 'Public Well-being'. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC Nero 16; ANS 1957.191.8. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Nero, bare, right.

Reverse of a Roman aureus: Legend surrounding oak-wreath enclosing EX S C.

2269

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 11 September - in one of the most famous Vindolanda Letters, Claudia Severa invites Sulpicia Lepidina to a birthday party. While a secretary wrote the main text, she herself added the postscript. #History 🏺 Image: British Museum (1986,1001.64). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...

Roman wooden writing tablet with a party invitation written in ink.

12411

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 7 September - in AD 355 Claudius Silvanus, a usurper against Constantius II, was ambushed on his way to a church service and "butchered with repeated sword-thrusts." #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC VIII Antioch 68; Münzkabinett Berlin (18200511). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman gold coin: Bust of Constantius II, laureate, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, raising right hand and holding Victory on globe in left hand.

Reverse of a Roman gold coin: Constantius II, nimbate, draped, cuirassed, standing front in a six-horse chariot, raising right hand; two Victories flanking, both flying towards him, holding wreath and palm; in the exergue between mint mark, votive objects.

2247

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

#MosaicMonday - A rather idiosyncratic mosaic representation of Neptune riding in a quadriga, surrounded by marine life. From Besançon , ca. Late 2nd Century AD. #Archaeology 🏺 Image: Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie de Besançon (DA.976.4.1). Link - memoirevive.besancon.fr/ark:/48565/b...

Roman mosaic panel. Within a central roundel, Neptune triumphant, standing in a quadriga and surrounded by dolphins, fantastical sea creatures, and fish.

216740

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 2 September - in 31 BC Octavian, through his naval commander Agrippa, was victorious over Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. The victory established Octavian's supremacy. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC Augustus 265A; ANS 1937.158.443. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman denarius: Head of Octavian, bare, right.

Reverse of a Roman denarius: Trophy, rudder and anchor on base, all on prow.

02710

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 1 September - in 22 BC Augustus dedicated the Temple of Jupiter Tonans on the Capitol. The temple had been vowed in 26 BC when Augustus had narrowly avoided being struck by lightning. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC 1 Augustus 63A; BnF. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Augustus, bare, right.

Reverse of a Roman aureus: Jupiter, standing left, in hexastyle temple, holding thunderbolt in right hand and leaning left on sceptre.

17016

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 31 August - in AD 161 the Roman emperor Commodus was born at Lanuvium. Dio (73.1.2) states he "hated all exertion and craved the comfortable life of the city". #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC III Marcus Aurelius 610; ANS 1959.228.29. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Bust of Commodus, bare-headed, draped, cuirassed, right.

Reverse of a Roman aureus: Hilaritas, draped, standing front, head left, holding long palm, upright on ground, in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.

0134

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 30 August - in AD 526 Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths, died. He created a successful Roman-styled kingdom, albeit under the influence of the eastern emperors. #History 🏺 Image: Electrotype of the Senigallia Medallion. British Museum (B.11479). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...

Electrotype facsimile of gold medallion. Obverse: Frontal bust of Theodoric, cuirassed, holding Victory on globe and with other hand in gesture of address; Reverse: Victory advancing right, shouldering palm and holding up wreath.

06017

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

The Nijmegen Helmet: a visored Roman cavalry display helmet of silvered bronze and iron: ca. Early 2nd Century AD. Busts embellish the diadem; and the name 'Marcianus' is scratched into the right cheek. #Archaeology 🏺 Image: Valkhof Museum (XXI.1.4). Link - valkhofmuseum.nl/en/verdiepin...

10483124

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Honorius replied: “But he just ate from my hands!” For he had a very large cock, named 'Rome', and had immediately assumed the news referred to his prized rooster. Image: ‘The Favourites of the Emperor Honorius’ by JW Waterhouse, ca. 1883; Art Gallery of South Australia (0.52).

170

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

On 27 August in AD 410, Alaric, King of the Visigoths, ended his sack of Rome. Image: ‘Le Sac de Rome en 410 par les Vandales’ by Joseph-Noël Sylvestre, 1890. Musée Paul Valéry. Link - museepaulvalery-sete.fr/collections/

170

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

#OnThisDay meets #ClassicsCurio with the tale of the Sack of Rome and Honorius’ cock. Yes, you read that correctly, so strap in for a quick thread involving one of my favourite ancient anecdotes. 🧵🏺 Image: RIC X Honorius 1321; BM (1998,0430.1). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

1276

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Likely #OnThisDay - 23 August - in 30 BC Octavian ordered the death of Caesarion, son of Cleopatra VII and Julius Caesar: "a Caesar too many was no good thing" (Plutarch, Ant. 81.2). #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: Caesarion Stela. British Museum (EA1325). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...

Round-topped sandstone stela with Caesarion offering to deities.

0288

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 19 August - in AD 14 the "most mournful day" occurred, as Augustus died. Dio (56.30.5) remarks on the coincidence that this was also the date he had first become consul in 43 BC. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: British Museum (1911,0901.1). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...

"Bronze head from an over-life-sized statue of Augustus: the head is broken through the neck but is otherwise in an excellent state of preservation" (From British Museum)

518945

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

"Darmok" *bang bang* "and Jalad" *bang bang* "at Tanagra"

The bard from Nolan's 'Odyssey' *bang bang*

1130

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 15 August - in AD 423 the Western Roman emperor Honorius died after a reign of 30 years, having been declared Augustus by his father Theodosius I at the age of 10 in AD 393. #History 🏺 Image: RIC X Honorius 1202; British Museum (1867,0101.951). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

05612

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

BBC Television have you covered tonight... with regard to tomb raiding at least.

2101

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 11 August - in AD 353 Magnentius, usurper of various provinces of the Western Empire, took his own life following his defeat by Constantius II at the Battle of Mons Seleucus. #History 🏺 Image: RIC VIII Arelate 130; Münzkabinett Berlin (18249619). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman solidus: Bust of Magnentius, laureate, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right.

Reverse of a Roman solidus: Magnentius, draped, cuirassed, standing left, holding Victory on globe in right hand and standard in left hand.

0228

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 11 August - in AD 117 Hadrian's reign as emperor of Rome began, following his adoption by the emperor Trajan on his deathbed - an event which Dio (69.1) found deeply suspect. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC II, Part 3 Hadrian 1; BM (THO.1337). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Bust of Hadrian, laureate, cuirassed, right, viewed from front.

Reverse of a Roman aureus: Trajan standing right, Hadrian standing left, both holding globe between them.

14014

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 9 August - in AD 378 the Battle of Adrianople (Edirne in modern Turkey) was fought. The Romans were defeated by a Gothic force, with Valens - the Eastern Emperor - being killed. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC IX Nicomedia 2D; ANS 1980.109.205. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman solidus: Bust of Valens, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right.

Reverse of a Roman solidus: Emperor, head right, standing facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe.

12912

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 9 August - in 48 BC Julius Caesar defeated the forces of Pompey the Great at the Battle of Pharsalus. Pompey was forced to flee to Egypt in an attempt to continue the war. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RRC 452/1; British Museum (1867,0101.585). Link - numismatics.org/crro/id/rrc-...

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Female head, right, wearing oak-wreath and diadem. Border of dots.

Reverse of a Roman aureus: Trophy with Gallic shield and carnyx; on right, axe. Border of dots.

05216

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 8 August - in AD 117 the emperor Trajan died. As both builder and military commander (notably his campaign in Dacia) he excelled, accepting the title 'optimus princeps'. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC II Trajan 367; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 88278). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right.

Reverse of a Roman aureus: Trajan seated left on low platform, right with two attendants; three kings standing right before.

34715

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 7 August - in AD 461 the Western Roman Emperor Majorian was killed. His attempts at reform resulted in his being executed in a coup headed by Ricimer, the 'magister militum'. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC X Majorian 2633; ANS 1944.100.54881. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman solidus: Bust of Majorian, helmeted, rosette-diademed with plain jewel, draped, cuirassed, right, holding spear pointing forward in right hand and shield decorated with Chi-Rho on left arm.

Reverse of a Roman solidus: Majorian, draped, cuirassed, standing front, holding long cross in right hand and Victory on globe in left hand; placing right foot on head of human-headed serpent.

12610

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

#OnThisDay - 7 August - in AD 317 Constantius II was born. A son of Constantine the Great, he would rule in his own right AD 337-361, but that reign would be dominated by conflict. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC VIII Antioch 80; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 38761). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman solidus: Bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right.

Reverse of a Roman solidus: Constantius II, draped, cuirassed, riding right; before him, turreted figure, draped, facing emperor, bowing deeply, extending garment with right hand and holding torch? In left hand.

0227

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

#OnThisDay - 21 July - in 356 BC the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was deliberately burned. The arsonist was Herostratus, who hoped to immortalise his name by the act (Valerius Maximus, 8.14ext.5). #History 🏺 Image: Silver Tetradrachm of Abydus; ANS 1948.1.4. Link - numismatics.org/collection/1...

0225

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Went to see 'The Odyssey' and thoroughly enjoyed it. 95% of it is superb, but for me Samantha Morton stole the show as Circe.

4534

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

#OnThisDay - 20 July - in 1755 this fabulous fresco was discovered in the Praedia of Julia Felix, Pompeii (II.4.10/3). It depicts Urania, Muse of Astronomy, holding measuring rod and celestial sphere. #Pompeii 🏺 Image: Louvre Collections (P 12). Link - collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/5335...

A woman is seated in front of a zodiacal tract; she holds a globe in her left hand, a measuring rod in her right. Her head tilts to the viewer's left, as if she is explaining certain astronomical elements.

04311

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

#OnThisDay - 20 July - in 1765 this inscription was found, commemorating the rebuilding work of Numerius Popidius Celsinus on the Temple of Isis after the earthquake of AD 62. #Pompeii #Archaeology 🏺(1/2) Image: National Archaeological Museum, Naples (3765). Link – mann-napoli.it/tempio-di-is...

1205

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

#OnThisDay - 13 July 1755 - the stunning south wall fresco of the tablinum of the Praedia of Julia Felix, Pompeii (II.4.10), was discovered. I adore the series of 'still-life' panels in the upper register. #Pompeii #Archaeology 🏺 Image: National Archaeological Museum, Naples (8598)

Photograph of a frescoed Roman wall. The primary panels are painted red and yellow, with a small figured scene in the centre. The upper register features a series of 'stiil-life' panels, reading left to right: foodstuffs and kitchenalia; fish and marine-life; eggs, silverware, and embroidered cloth; book-keeping and accounting ledgers, with collections of coins.

1194

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

#OnThisDay - 10 July - in AD 138 the (fabulously bearded) Roman emperor Hadrian died at his villa at Baiae. His reign was characterised by extensive travels throughout the provinces. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC II, Part 3 Hadrian 930; ANS 1957.172.1652. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....

Obverse of a Roman aureus: Bust of Hadrian, laureate, draped and cuirassed, right.

Reverse of a Roman aureus: Hadrian mounted on a horse and riding right, raising hand.

12511

Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

#OnThisDay - 6 July - in 371 BC the Battle of Leuctra was fought between the Boeotian League and the Spartans under Cleombrotus. The latter were defeated with 400 of 700 Spartiatae present killed. #Sparta #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: British Museum (88.844). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...

Sherd of Attic black-figured pottery; above, rays overlapping two black lines; below, black-figure decoration consisting of hoplite battle.

0307