AboutFrancesco Marchesani Expertise I have an indeep knowledge of European history, expecially Ancient, Roman and Medieval history. I focus my attention on military history as well; I have access to a university library with many ancient books.
Experience Mainly through self study (other than my university studies in laws) I have acquired a good knowledge of the topic, which I enjoy further study.
Question I am a coin collector,I have recently bought a Roman Republic Denarius coin.It has the name Roscius Fabatus and is dated 64 BC. Would this name be a Roman person or a Latin phrase?
Answer Hello,
Lucius Roscius Fabatus (it's a person's name) was a member of the ˇ"tresviri aere argento auro flando feriundo" (literally, three men for striking and casting bronze, silver and gold), a group of officials who were responsible for designing and producing coins.
The tresviri were part of a larger body of officers, the vigintisexviri (=26 men), responsible for different aspects of Rome's administration (upkeep of roads, police, minting, justice); membership was considered one of the first steps in one's political career, and was usually attained at 30 years old.
Lucius Roscius Fabatus' career continued for years, eventually reaching the post of Praetor (roughly, a general attorney and supreme court justice altogether) in 49 BC.
