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A 2-drachma coin (didrachm) of Emperor Claudius

The size of the Roman empire made it difficult to maintain political control: small-scale, portable images could play a crucial part. This coin was issued by Claudius (Emperor AD 41-54), whose portrait appears on the obverse (front). The reverse design, Claudius in a chariot and the words 'DE BRITANNIS', celebrates the conquest of Britain in AD 43.

Production place: struck at Caesarea, Cappadocia
Date: around AD 43–48 
Silver

Object Number: CM.98-1929

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A Cameo ring

The size of the Roman empire made it difficult to maintain political control: small-scale, portable images could play a crucial part. The cameo may portray Germanicus (16/15 BC-AD 19), a favourite of the Emperor Augustus and the Roman people.

Date: around AD 1–10 
Onyx
Bequeathed by Shannon, C.H.
Ricketts and Shannon Collection

Object Number: CG 524

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