The abdication of Vetranio (AD 350) and the remains of the Tetrarchic model

ABSTRACT

The paper deals with the short reign of Vetranio (March to December 350), a ruler acclaimed by the regional field army of Illyricum. Considering the political crisis that took place in the beginning of the 350’s, Vetranio has usually been regarded as an “usurper” who was elevated to the throne to support the Constantinian house. Thus, the aim of the paper is twofold: on one hand, it attempts to reassess Vetranio’s rule by analyzing two monetary types issued by his mints. On the other hand, it points out how his rise to power can be understood as a political experiment whose legitimacy had been built on the principles of the Tetrarchic system instituted by Diocletian half a century earlier.

Keywords
Vetranio; Constantius II; numismatics