A.D. 276–282 Roman Bronze Antoninianus of Probus

The Father Of Modern Europe’s Wine Industry!

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79 had a crippling effect on the Roman Empire’s wine industry. Not only were two cities, Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried by tons of volcanic ash, but the eruption destroyed some of the best vineyards in Italy. To make up for the lost grape fields, vintners replanted everywhere they could even to the point of replacing fields sown for grain. There was eventually a glut. So, in an effort to protect the local wine business as well as the grain supply, Emperor Domitian issued an edict in A.D. 92 that forbade the planting of any new vineyards in Italy and ordered the eradication of half the vines in the provinces. This edict was not lifted for another 200 years. Talk about prohibition!

Not only did Emperor Probus annul the order so0mteime around in A.D. 278, but he actively sought to profit from the move. Probus had long subscribed to the theory that a good army was a busy army, and an idle army was dangerous. That philosophy saw Probus using his troops to carry out many beneficial civic tasks throughout the Empire during times of peace over the six years of his rule. The chief task, however, saw soldiers being utilized to plant grape vines throughout the now-famous Northern wine regions that had been destroyed by conflict and uprooted by Domitian’s edict.

Falling Victim To The Grapes Of Wrath

Although his actions revitalized the Empire’s wine traditions, establishing vineyards that still exist today, it also led to his demise. Unfortunately for Probus, his battle-hardened soldiers did not appreciate the agricultural missions he assigned them. They much preferred the grandeur of battle to the sweltering, physically taxing “peasant work” of cultivating vines. On an especially hot day in the Fall of 282, the soldiers had finally had enough, and a rebellion broke out. Probus was slain after being pursued into a tower by a group of his troops, leading to the first use of the expression “the grapes of wrath” or rather, “the wrath of the grapes.”

Despite his ignoble end due to his dalliance in the wine industry, Probus has forever been immortalized as the father of modern Europe’s wine industry. In fact, he played a direct role in the development of various grape types that are cultivated all over the world. Probus’ vines have brought fame to wine regions in Germany, the Czech Republic & France, and his name still appears across the world on famous wine labels that bear his name.

The Most Popular Coin Issued By Emperor Probus

Throughout his reign from 276 to 282, Probus struck a vast range of coin designs with various reverse images and portrait styles. His coins feature portraits of himself usually wearing a crown or a helmet. This bronze Antoninianus coin was the most popular of his imperial offerings and features Emperor Probus and comes beautifully housed in a presentation box and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity that includes information about his life and legacy. Get yours now, because if you miss out, you’ll really have something to “wine” about!