top of page

Diva Faustina, As, Rome Mint, Eclipse of 143 AD


Faustina the Elder was the wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius. Upon her death in 140 AD her status was raised to Diva Faustina, i.e. Goddess. The solar eclipse of 143 AD in Rome was commemorated on this coin. Notice the duration of the solar eclpise was brief as indicated with the multiple stars. Photo Gitbud & Naumann Coins


 

2000 years ago the cross was a Roman symbol of death and terror. Jesus Christ transformed this symbol into a universal sign of God's love, hope and resurrection. Solar eclipse events are recorded in Roman mythology during the conception of Romulus and Remus by the war god Mars and during the foundation of the city of Rome. The solar eclipse to the Romans was a sign from their gods that war was upon the Earth. The solar eclipse symbol of the star/pellet within the crescent on Roman coins and legionary standards was also a sign of their god's approval of Roman domination over conquered lands. Fifteen hundred years later, the "Our Lady of Guadalupe" Icon was presented to the New World as an inverted Roman Legionary Standard. Jesus Christ changed these symbols of Roman domination and slavery into an everlasting sign of God's love and compassion. 

bottom of page