Aurelian
Aurelian reigned as emperor of the Roman Empire from 270-275 AD. Despite evidence found of inscriptions, images, coinage and other sources that indicate a presence of Sol Invictus throughout the Imperial period, it was only made an official cult by Aurelian towards the end of his reign in 274 AD. The emperor instigated a number of religious reforms with the intention of strengthening the position of Sol Invictus as the supreme divinity of the Roman Empire. Aurelian’s reforms included the building of a new temple dedicated to Sol Invictus at the Campus Agrippae in Rome, which served as the center of the cult. The priests of the cult were referred to as Pontifices Des Solis (“Priests of the Sun God”) and under his reign, an establishment of a new college of pontiffs for Sol also occurred. As a result, the ranks of the priests of Sol were also raised as the priesthood began to be regarded as prestigious with each pontifex of Sol being a member of the senatorial elite. Though his reign was short, Aurelian’s efforts were significant in promoting the cult of Sol Invictus throughout the empire.
Aurelian reigned as emperor of the Roman Empire from 270-275 AD. Despite evidence found of inscriptions, images, coinage and other sources that indicate a presence of Sol Invictus throughout the Imperial period, it was only made an official cult by Aurelian towards the end of his reign in 274 AD. The emperor instigated a number of religious reforms with the intention of strengthening the position of Sol Invictus as the supreme divinity of the Roman Empire. Aurelian’s reforms included the building of a new temple dedicated to Sol Invictus at the Campus Agrippae in Rome, which served as the center of the cult. The priests of the cult were referred to as Pontifices Des Solis (“Priests of the Sun God”) and under his reign, an establishment of a new college of pontiffs for Sol also occurred. As a result, the ranks of the priests of Sol were also raised as the priesthood began to be regarded as prestigious with each pontifex of Sol being a member of the senatorial elite. Though his reign was short, Aurelian’s efforts were significant in promoting the cult of Sol Invictus throughout the empire.
Constantine
Constantine the Great ruled Rome from 306 -337 ce. bringing about drastic changes through out empire, especially religiously. However, despite being a significant figure in the history of Christianity, the first Christian emperor even, he carried on using the image of the pagan sun god in his coinage. Sol, or Deus Sol Invictus can be seen on the back on Constantine’s coins along with various inscriptions about this pagan god.
This unexpected choice in coinage by Constantine, although it had been popular with many in the past emperors, has been attributed to the Battle he fought at Milvian in 312 ce. He accredited his victory to a "the trophy of a cross of light in the heavens, above the sun" (Eusebius, Life of Constantine 1.28). Many people consider this to be a reason for his conversion to Christianity, but "cross of light" could also be referring to the Sun god . He then erected a triumphal arch, the Arch of Constantine, featuring images of Sol and the goddess Victoria on it in honor of his victory against Maxentius. Part of the inscription on the arch reads "QVOD INSTINCTV DIVINITATIS MENTIS" meaning "by inspiration of divinity and his own great mind" showing some higher power's influence, whether it be Christ or Sol, on his creation of this monument. Statuettes of Sol carried by soldiers are carved into this triumphal arch in three different places showing Constantine's deference for the pagan god. This arch was also built in alignment with the Colossus of Sol which was originally dedicated to Nero by himself as previously mention but shortly after Nero's death, Diocletian added a solar crown and re-dedicated it to the Sun god. This made the visage of Sol dominate one's view while approaching the arch. The use of this solar crown was popular with many emperors because it associated with them the very powerful and feared Sol Invictus.
This unexpected choice in coinage by Constantine, although it had been popular with many in the past emperors, has been attributed to the Battle he fought at Milvian in 312 ce. He accredited his victory to a "the trophy of a cross of light in the heavens, above the sun" (Eusebius, Life of Constantine 1.28). Many people consider this to be a reason for his conversion to Christianity, but "cross of light" could also be referring to the Sun god . He then erected a triumphal arch, the Arch of Constantine, featuring images of Sol and the goddess Victoria on it in honor of his victory against Maxentius. Part of the inscription on the arch reads "QVOD INSTINCTV DIVINITATIS MENTIS" meaning "by inspiration of divinity and his own great mind" showing some higher power's influence, whether it be Christ or Sol, on his creation of this monument. Statuettes of Sol carried by soldiers are carved into this triumphal arch in three different places showing Constantine's deference for the pagan god. This arch was also built in alignment with the Colossus of Sol which was originally dedicated to Nero by himself as previously mention but shortly after Nero's death, Diocletian added a solar crown and re-dedicated it to the Sun god. This made the visage of Sol dominate one's view while approaching the arch. The use of this solar crown was popular with many emperors because it associated with them the very powerful and feared Sol Invictus.
The back of one of Constantine's coins reads "SOLI INVICTO COMITI", which translates into “To the invincible Sun God, companion of the Emperor.” This message portrays Constantine as one whose claim to power is endorsed by the gods and reflects his absolute power. Another coin shows him stand his face overlapping the face of Sol himself emphasizing once again their companionship. An image of Sol is also depicted on the back of this coin holding out a celestial orb and his outstretched hand. This appears on Constantine's coin perhaps not as a means of honoring the pagan god but as a way to appeal to the citizens of Gaul who the god Sol was still very popular with or maybe to honor the god Apollo who was closely associated with Sol. Sol can be seen in many other coins of Constantine's holding a whip or even nothing but either way he has a very notable presence on the currency of that time. Emperor Augustus and then from Nero all the way to Constantine were all depicted with the Solar Crown following their deaths. Sol's presence on so many different emperor's coins reflects the great influence Sol had over Roman life.
Sol and Other Emperors
The influences of Deus Sol Invictus can be seen through others emperors and daily life. Temples and statues such as the Colossus had all been dedicated in Sol's honor, and even holidays. It is thought that Natalis Invictus was the celebration of Sol Invictus' birthday and the foundation date of his temple. This holiday involved having thirty six races occur in his honor in Rome on December 25. This celebration occurs every four years both to honor Sol and appease the people. The direct influence of Sol can also be seen on emperor Septimus Severus who married Julia Domna, the daughter of a high priest of Sol Invictus Elagabal, and even had a son who took the title Invictus. Sol's influence was vast and its effects can be seen to this very day.