Roman Imperial Theodora coins
Empress Flavia Maximiana Theodora (270?-?), wife of Constantius Chlorus
Theodora - stepdaughter (according to other
sources daughter) of Emperor Maximian. The marriage with
Constantius Chlorus was concluded in 293 at the will of
Diocletian, who made Constantius co-emperor with Maximian and
wanted to bind the emperors by family ties.
Theodora lived mainly in Trevira (Trier), the capital of the
part of the empire ruled by Constantius. She gave birth to six
children - Dalmatius, Julius Constantius, Hannibalianus,
Constantius, Eutropia and Anastasia.
Constantius died in 306 at Eburacum (York). His power was
inherited by his first son Constantine, born of Helen, either
his wife or simply his mistress. About life and death Theodora
(in contrast to the above-mentioned Helena, mother of
Constantine Great) practically nothing is known. It is assumed
that she died shortly after her husband.
In 337, after the death of Constantine I, his son Constantius
II, in order to consolidate power, killed off possible rivals.
Then, in 337-340 minted coins with the image of Theodora, which
looks quite strange, given that she was not even a relative of
the emperor and died a few decades ago. Probably, it has been
made, to show non-involvement Constantius II to massacre in
which sons Theodora and Constantius I were lost.
FL MAX THEODORAE AVG
PIETAS ROMANA
337-340
copper
Trier
15 mm.
Draped bust in the diadem right / For Flavia Maximiana Theodora Augusta
Pietas standing, facing, holding baby / Pietas of Roman peoples
Value - $100-120