3rd Century Flamethrowers?

[Patrick Waterson]

As a spin-off from a discussion on armaments and numismatics on the Ancmed forum, Adrian Coombs-Hoar drew attention to this coin http://www.romancoins.info/h2005-mint-postumus.jpg of Posthumus, 3rd century Emperor of Gaul.

Take a look at what the soldier (if he is a soldier) on the reverse is carrying: what do we think it represents?

Patrick

[Jim Webster]

Whilst it looks so like a medieval handgun, we do have pictures of Roman torches

http://www.bible-history.com/ibh/Roman+Customs/Torches/Ancient+Roman+Torches

rather more 'definitively' there is http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Fax.html


Jim Webster

[Mark]

I suspect it's an image of Diana with a torch (e.g. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/moonmoth/coins/gordian_iii_052.html, hence the hunting dog by her feet, which is one of her other symbols. Or it could be one of those Roman rocket propelled grenade retrievers.]

Edit - reading the words on the obverse, doesn't it actually say Dianae Lucifere (?) which might be another giveaway.

[Patrick Waterson]

DIANAE LVCIFERAE it is: our mystery object is indeed a torch, albeit in a torch-holder of some size.  Could be handy for religious processions - and perhaps also if you are a besieging soldier and want to set fire to someone's gate because they will not let you in to their city.

The ultimate solution prize goes to our esteemed Editor, though Jim was absolutely on the right track. :-)

Patrick