Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
Woods, David
2018
December
Numismatic Chronicle
Bacchius Iudaeus: a tamed Hyrcanian tiger
Published
()
Optional Fields
Denarius of A. Plautius Hyrcanus II Hyrcanian tiger Bacchus
178
165
172
The kneeling figure with camel on the reverse of the denarius of A. Plautius has generally been identified as Aristobulus II. It is argued here that he is identifiable as his brother Hyrcanus II instead. In addition to the argument of Hollstein in support of this identification, it is noted that the legend BACCHIVS facilitates a pun upon the name of Hyrcanus, literally meaning ‘Hyrcanian’. As a ‘Bacchic Hyrcanian’, Hyrcanus is implicitly compared to the tamed Hyrcanian tigers used by Bacchus to draw his triumphal chariot, a fitting comparison because of his submission to Roman authority.
London, UK
0078-2696
Grant Details