Divus of Augustus: The Influence of the Trials of Maiestas upon Pontius Pilate’s Coins

Abstract

This study revisits the rationale behind the use of the lituus and simpulum as types on
coins minted by the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate (26–36 CE). Rejecting the traditional
notions that the implementation of these symbols stemmed from the governor’s anti-
Semitism or incompetence, it is proposed that the motifs resulted from Pilate’s fear of
appearing disloyal to Tiberius. Support for this is found in the use of those types on coins
elsewhere in the Roman Empire, and contemporaneous events in Rome, in particular the
invocation of the treason law (maiestas) in 27 CE.