This description represents only a part of the long and dramatic commemoration of the Flavian victory, staged both in Rome and in the provinces. Statues depicting scenes of battle, and the subsequent erection of the triumphal arch, or Arch of Titus, were part of the tremendous imperial effort made to publicize the conquest of Judea. As part of this procedure, during the reigns of Vespasian and Titus (until 81 CE), enormous quantities of commemorative gold, silver and several bronze denominations of coins were struck both in Rome and in some provincial mints. The majority of the bronze pieces are distinguished by the inscription: "IVDAEA CAPTA" - Judea Captured.

Commemorative Issues

News of an addition of a new province to the empire or of a victory over an enemy was promulgated by the Roman administration through the minting of coinage which depicted relevant inscriptions and designs. For example, following his conquest of Egypt in 28 BCE, Augustus issued a series of coins depicting the Nile crocodile and the inscription AEG VPTO CAPTA. Also well known are the coins struck in commemoration of the Roman victories over the Germans, the Daciens and the tribes of Spain.

A comparison of the various types as well as of the quantity of commemorative pieces produced in each issue reveals that the Judea Capta coins far outnumber the comparable issues. There are several reasons for this disproportionate amount of coinage. The Roman victory over Judea was an impressive effort which involved a force of over three legions, but Rome had undertaken greater campaigns and had gained more territory with other military activities. The Flavians desired to publicize this particular victory because of their lack of other memorable or important campaigns.

The inscription SC on the "Judea Capta" coins as well as in other coins minted in Rome is an abbreviation of S(ENATVS) C(ONSVLTO) and means that the coin was minted "By the Decree of the Senate"