Three of the most important reverse subjects of Roman medallions of the second century
A.D. are analysed: the imperator in the military context, such as
adlocutiones, adventus,
profectio and scenes of triumph; the sacred theme, as in the representation of sacred buildings
or of the imperator in front of a temple making a sacrifice to the gods; allusion to legends
and history of early Rome.
It is established that Roman medallions and the imperial political
propaganda were not closely related, but that the medallions had at most had a function of
explanation and commemoration of the imperator's enterprises.
