Astronomy – Global Firsts and Facts

During the reign of the first Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar, 17 BCE, the depictions of a comet by a western civilization were stamped onto coins. According to Augustus and his supporters, it was the spirit of Julius Caesar returning to mark his approval of Rome’s new leader. The coins are considered an early example of political propaganda.

Date:
17 BCE
Name(s):
Augustus Caesar
Occupation:
Emperor of Rome
Location:
Rome

Additional Information:

Augustus – Wikipedia
At birth, he was named Gaius Octavius after his biological father. Historians typically refer to him simply as Octavius (or Octavian) between his birth in 63 until his adoption by Julius Caesar in 44 BC (after Julius Caesar’s death).
Propaganda on the Legends of Roman Coins | Caesar the Day
Throughout the late Republic and Empire, the authority and achievements of powerful individuals and the emperor, respectively, were conveyed to the population in a variety of ways.
A Brief History of Propaganda | – Blog – Tavistock Books
The term “propaganda” has come to have a negative connotation in much of the English-speaking world. But in some places, the word is neutral or even positive.
Roman Coins and Coinage – Interpretive Resource | The Art Institute of …
Aureus (Coin) of Emperor Diocletian, A.D. 293. Roman, minted in Cyzicus. Gold; 5.27 g. The Art Institute of Chicago, gift of Mr. Roger Trienens, 1996.350.