this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Preview first page
Document Details :

Title: Sabina and the Augusta Title
Subtitle: Considering Old and New Material
Author(s): PONSIOEN, Angelien
Journal: BABESCH
Volume: 100    Date: 2025   
Pages: 177-183
DOI: 10.2143/BAB.100.0.3294529

Abstract :
In the summer of 2023, the Italian Ministry of Culture revealed the discovery of a new piece of the Fasti Ostienses, a Roman public calendar located in the ancient centre of Ostia, Italy. The fragment supposedly fits together with a larger slab already known to the archaeological park. When analysed in tandem, the new piece is understood to confirm the date of Hadrian’s and Sabina’s reception of the Pater Patriae and Augusta titles as being the 1st of January 128 CE. The present article examines this assumption, using other ancient sources as comparative material. It specifically focusses on a rare coin issue of Sabina, which has been particularly difficult to date. Presented is a new interpretation of this coin issue in light of the newly discovered fragment. The analysis of the new Fasti piece reveals that the information deducible is less conclusive than the Italian Ministry appears it to be. In fact, the identification of Sabina’s name is unclear and the Pater Patriae title is absent altogether.

Download article