Herennia Etruscilla was the wife of Emperor Trajan Decius, who ruled the Roman Empire from 249 to 251 AD. Little is known about her early life, but she rose to prominence as the empress consort during her husband’s reign. Herennia was revered as a symbol of stability and virtue during a time when the empire was grappling with internal and external threats. She bore two sons, Herennius Etruscus and Hostilian, both of whom would briefly ascend to the imperial throne.
Herennia’s role as Augusta (empress) was not merely ceremonial. She was a stabilizing force in the imperial household, and her depiction on coinage and inscriptions underscores her importance in legitimizing the rule of Trajan Decius and their sons.
The Antoninianus: A Silver Coin of Power and Propaganda
One of the most enduring legacies of Herennia Etruscilla is her portrayal on the Roman Antoninianus, a silver coin introduced during the reign of Caracalla in the early 3rd century. By the time of Trajan Decius, the Antoninianus had become a key currency, though its silver content had significantly decreased due to the empire’s economic struggles.
The coin featuring Herennia Etruscilla is a remarkable artifact. Struck in silver, the coin weighs 3.9 g with a 21.5 mm diameter. On the obverse, she is depicted with a diadem, a symbol of her imperial status, and her hair is often styled in an elaborate bun, reflecting the fashion of the time. The reverse of the coin typically features allegorical figures or deities, such as Pudicitia (modesty) or Juno, emphasizing her virtues and divine favor.
The Legacy of Herennia Etruscilla
Herennia’s life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Her husband, Trajan Decius, and their elder son, Herennius Etruscus, died in battle against the Goths at the Battle of Abritus in 251 AD. Her younger son, Hostilian, briefly ruled as co-emperor but succumbed to the plague shortly after. Despite these losses, Herennia’s legacy endured through the coins that bore her image and the memory of her steadfastness during a chaotic period.
Today, the Antoninianus depicting Herennia Etruscilla is a prized artifact for collectors and historians alike. It offers a glimpse into the life of an empress who navigated the complexities of power, family, and empire during one of Rome’s most challenging eras.
