Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 368 10 February 2016
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LYDIA, Tralles. Vedius Pollio. Legate of Asia, circa 29/8-27 BC. Æ (19mm, 6.46 g, 12h). Menandros, son of Parrhasios, magistrate. Bare head of Vedius Pollio right / Laureate head of Zeus right. RPC I 2635; SNG München 718; SNG Copenhagen 688; BMC 76-8. VF, green patina, minor roughness.
An equestrian and confidant of Augustus, Vedius Pollio seems to have had an important administrative career, serving in the restoration of a proconsular government in Asia and possibly even in the refoundation of Tralles as Caesarea. However, his personal cruelty, especially toward slaves, more than matches his public deeds, as he is said to have thrown slaves with whom he was displeased into a pool of lampreys which he kept for such acts.
An equestrian and confidant of Augustus, Vedius Pollio seems to have had an important administrative career, serving in the restoration of a proconsular government in Asia and possibly even in the refoundation of Tralles as Caesarea. However, his personal cruelty, especially toward slaves, more than matches his public deeds, as he is said to have thrown slaves with whom he was displeased into a pool of lampreys which he kept for such acts.