Temenothyrai (AD 253-268) AE 38 - Gallienus

Gallienus, 253-268 AD. AE38 / Medallion (18.51g, 6h). Titianus, archiereus. AV • KA • ΠO • ΛIKI • GAΛΛIHNOC, laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing aegis / TITIANOC APXIE–PEVC, THMENOΘV •/PEVCIN • in two lines in exergue, monumental ornate conical cult-image on cart drawn left by yoke of oxen; before, guide standing right, steadying oxen and directing to three figures above, standing right, and two figures behind, each of whom holds a guide rope. EF, green and red patina with earthen overtones. Extremely rare. The pompa, or procession, was a prominent part of the religious festivals and games of the Greco-Roman world. Often opening the associated games or accompanying the sacrifices, monumental images of the deity would be publicly conveyed (Ovid, Trist. 4.2-3, 6). Such was the Roman pompa circensis which preceded the games in the circus and was part of the celebration of a triumph. Likewise, the inception of a new consulship occasioned celebrations which also would have included the display of such images. Some such event must have been the occasion for the pompa depicted on this medallion, though a more specific event is as yet unknown. The archierus mentioned may be the Junius Titianus who was consul with Philip I in AD 245 (Cod. Theod. 6.39.2).