Concept of Providentia deorum within the imperial cult and propaganda on Roman imperial coins during the Principate

Abstract

Ever since the beginning of the Principate, after establishing the imperial cult, propaganda was also developed and adjusted to support this cult. Reverse images on coins expressed different aspects of the imperial cult, among others the concept of providentia deorum. Starting during Domitian’s reign, then during Trajan’s, in Hadrian’s time, the concept of providentia deourum is clearly focused, expressing multiple connections of the emperor with the gods. Not only does the emperor enjoy divine protection, fi rst of all from Jupiter, but even more importantly, he was chosen by him to rule. An image of the current emperor was created, who became emperor by Jupiter’s prudence alone. This fact, hidden in the multiple meanings of the aforementioned images of emperors and Jupiter, was clearly shown on Hadrian’s mints, in the scene depicting Jupiter’s eagle, which brings and hands over a sceptre to Hadrian with the legend providentia deorum.