A Provincial Pompe

CNG 85, Lot: 589. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PHRYGIA, Temenothyrae. Gallienus. AD 253-268. Æ Medallion (38mm, 17.24 g, 6h). Titianus, archiereus. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing aegis / 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. Von Aulock, Phrygiens -; SNG von Aulock 8454 = Triton I, lot 688 (same obv. die). VF, dark brown surfaces, porous, small scrape on cheek. Extremely rare.

The pompe, 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).