AUGUSTUS (27 BC-14 AD). Denarius. Emerita. P. Carisius, legatus.

Obv: IMP CAESAR AVGVST.
Bare head right.
Rev: P CARISIVS LEG PRO PR.
Trophy of Celtiberian arms.

RIC² 4a.

This denarius was struck during the Cantabrian Wars, which saw the Roman armies engaged for at least a decade, from 29 BC to 19 BC. Augustus aimed to subdue the fierce Cantabrian and Asturian tribes in order to complete the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula and to stop the constant enemy incursions into the central region, rich in gold and iron mines. Eight legions were involved, along with a large number of auxiliary troops and even the Roman fleet, which set sail from nearby Aquitaine and proved decisive in resolving the conflict by blocking the main ports of Cantabria and allowing a complete encirclement. Knowing they were inferior in open combat, the Cantabrians and Asturians adopted guerrilla tactics, avoiding field battles with terrible surprise attacks, facilitated by the natural conformation of those impervious and montane territories. In the end, the Romans prevailed, thanks in part to the arrival of Agrippa in 20-19 BC, who defeated the Cantabrians at Iuliobriga and forced the tribes to abandon their strongholds. Despite this, Iberian resistance continued to cause problems, and Rome had to maintain two legions in the region for almost a century. The Cantabrians were lightly armed with spears, small wooden shields, daggers, axes, and the typical Iberian weapon: the falcata. The reverse side of this denarius proudly displays the weapons of the enemy defeated on the battlefield.

Condition: Good very fine.

Weight: 3.71 g.
Diameter: 20 mm.