Bronze Dupondius of Trajan, Rome - Latium (114-117 CE)

Rev. Felicitas draped standing l. with cornucopia in l. hand and caduceus in r. hand; around SENATVS POPVLVS Q[VE] ROMANVS; on either side, S/C

The cult of Felicitas was established in Rome in the second century BCE and successful generals would take the name “Felix” to reflect their luck in battle. As Rome transitioned to an empire, the cult of Felicitas became associated more with imperial success overall rather than individual generals. She was also associated with women’s fertility alongside military luck, these two things being the essence of Roman morality; also seen with the cult of Vesta and the Vestal Virgins, the Roman state was very concerned with the female reproductive sphere as it related to the success and prosperity of the state. The phrase “Felicitas Temporum” began appearing on coins and inscriptions during the reign of the Five Good Emperors of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, namely Antoninus Pius and Trajan. Felicitas thus became propaganda for the emperors and helped promoted the idea of a Golden Age in Rome.