ROMAN COIN PENDANT FEATURING CHRISTIAN ROMAN EMPEROR ARCADIUS

IN 14K YELLOW GOLD 

395 - 408 A.D.

With it's dark rich patina to highlight the crisp detailed classic Roman profile, this beautiful ancient Roman coin makes for a pleasing centerpiece in this gold pendant.  Struck under the rule of the emperor, Arcadius, it dates from the time when the Roman Empire was first split into two autonomous halves.  This would soon lead to the end of the Classic Roman Empire as we know it and usher in another 1000 years of the Eastern Roman Byzantine Empire.  You can even see traces of Eastern influence in the art style that would later evolve into Byzantine style.

In the year 395 A.D. when Arcadius was made emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire upon the death of his father, Theodosius I, The Roman Empire was permanently divided into East and West .  Theodosius' other son, Honorius was given the Western Roman Empire to rule.  There had been both an eastern and a western emperor since the time of Diocletian, but the empire had always been ruled as if it had been one empire with two halves.  After 395, each half took on the character of a separate empire, with the western empire retaining the Latin language and European culture and traditions while the inhabitants of the eastern empire spoke Greek and adopted a culture combining Greek, Middle Eastern, and North African elements.  Even the organization of the Christian Church took on a different character as you went from west to east in the late ancient world.  

Arcadius was married to an intelligent and powerful woman, Eudoxia, who wielded much influence in the politics of the empire and the Church.  In an age of increasing violence and chaos, Arcadius died at the palace of Constantinople from illness on May 1, A.D. 408.  His son Theodosius II succeeded him on the throne.

Overall diameter is 15 mm.  

CPR063     SOLD     COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET

*** shown with optional CHAIN B, not included

Add a gold chain to make this piece ready to wear!  click here to see the gold chains

135