Elagabalus, emperor 218-222 AD

This coin is minted in Antioch at the start of the reign of Elagabalus. He was of Syrian descent and his reign started with an eclipse. The ram is placed under SC which may mean consent of the Senate. The coast from Antioch to Egypt was under the control of Rome and the wars in Judea had stopped. Pagan worship in Jerusalem was near the 100 year anniversary in Aelia Capitolina. He and his mother had a fanatical devotion to the Emesan sun god. Note the sun is represented by a ball. He brought a meteorite with him to Rome to have it worshipped. There were no further Eclipses in Antioch until 240AD. Photo Beast Coins