Natalie Haynes Instagram – It’s election day here in the UK, so here is a coin from the first century BCE, depicting an election during the Roman Republic. On the back of the coin you can see a really clear image of a man dropping his voting tablet into a cista, or basket. Numismatists have identified that his tablet is inscribed with the letter V — short for ubi rogas – as you ask. So this was a vote in favour of a proposal or candidate. Perhaps we can see a modern echo of this Latin phrase in the Obama slogan, Yes we can.
On the other side of the coin is the goddess Vesta (you can tell it’s her because she is veiled). So not only do I hope you’re voting positively today, but I also hope that the goddess who lives at the centre of our homes and civic spaces – who turns buildings into places where communities gather – is presiding over all our votes. Did I mention she is often depicted in Pompeian bakeries? Why not buy yourself a bun when you’ve voted? Have a lovely day!
Coin source: https://www.bmimages.com/preview.asp?image=01613099705 | Posted on 04/Jul/2024 13:39:50
