The Roman emperor Gordianus III (r. 238–244) is shown dressed for battle on this medallion. He is clad in armor (a cuirass) and holds a spear and a shield upon which he appears in a moment of victory over an enemy. This military depiction is fitting for Gordianus, whose reign was distinguished by his military activities on Rome’s eastern frontier.
Selected Bibliography
- A. R. Bellinger, “Roman and Byzantine Medallions in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection,” Dumbarton Oaks Papers 12 (1958): 127–28, no. 1, fig. 1.
More Exhibit Items
Roman, 240–244; bronze; 38 mm, 57.27 g. BZC.1948.11
Late Roman, early 4th century; porphyry; 16.3 × 13 × 12.6 cm (6 7/16 × 5 1/8 × 4 15/16 in.). BZ.1963.5
Late Roman, 288–296; gold; 5.104–5.564 g.
Late Roman, 293–295; gold; 34 mm, 27.0 g. BZC.1950.5
Early Byzantine, 4th–6th century; terra-cotta; 18 cm (7 1/16 in.). BZ.1959.49
Early Byzantine, 4th–6th century; gold, rock crystal; 3 cm (1 3/16 in.). BZ.1964.12
Early Byzantine, ca. 7th century; gold; 2.3 cm (15/16 in.). BZ.1956.27