v08_0149 - SICINIA Denier

SICINIA

(49 BC)

The gens Sicinia is a family of plebeian origin from Rome. In 49, the break between Pompey and Caesar is consummated. Caesar crosses the Rubicon, "Alea Jacta est!", on January 11 and invades Italy. The Senate entrusts the defense of Rome to Pompey. Quintus Sicinius is named by the prefect of the City and mints there until Caesar seizes it. This is the last official coinage of the Pompeian party in the Urbs. Faced with the impossibility of defending the City against Caesar's troops, Pompey fled and took refuge in Greece with part of the Roman aristocracy..