Lucius Verus
Imperator Caesar Lucius Aurelius Verus Augustus
Lucius Ceionius Commodus was adopted by Antoninus Pius on Marcus Aurelius's insistence, the two becoming the first co-emperors on Antoninus's death in 161. While Marcus Aurelius administered the empire from Rome, Lucius Verus was dispatched to command the Parthian War (161–166 AD), where the actual fighting was done by his generals Statius Priscus, Avidius Cassius, and Martius Verus. He died of a sudden illness (possibly a stroke) during a military inspection, having brought the Antonine Plague back from the East with his returning troops.
Lucius Verus established the precedent of genuine collegiate rule, demonstrating that the empire could be governed by two emperors simultaneously. The Antonine Plague his armies brought back is now thought to have been smallpox or measles; it killed millions over fifteen years and was one of the most devastating pandemics in Roman history.
Key Events
Coinage
Lucius Verus issued coins in both his own name and jointly with Marcus Aurelius. His portrait, showing a full beard in the philosopher-emperor style, is visually similar to Marcus Aurelius but with softer, more sensual features as ancient sources suggest. The Parthian victory types, including the ARMENIVS and PARTHICVS legends, are the most historically significant.
Denominations
Notable Types
- ARMENIVS types commemorating the Parthian War victory
- PARTHICVS and PARTHIA CAPTA types
- TR P COS II types from the early joint reign
- Concordia types with Marcus Aurelius
Common Reverses
Active Mints
Related Resources
Further Reading
- Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume III,
- Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume II,