Turpilianus

1. P. Petronius Turpilianus, triumvir of the mint under Augustus, whose name occurs on a great variety of coins, seven of which are given below. The first has on the obverse the head of Augustus, and on the reverse the virgin Tarpeia overwhelmed by the shields cast upon her, which subject has a reference to the Sabine origin of the Petronia gens. The next three coins relate to the Eastern glories of Augustus and the restitution of the Roman standards by the Parthians in B. C. 20. The second coin has on the obverse the head of the goddess Feronia, which likewise has reference to the Sabine origin of the gens, and on the reverse a kneeling Parthian offering a standard. The third coin has the same obverse, and on the reverse a man in a chariot drawn by two elephants, holding an olive branch in his hand, which subject probably has reference to the Indian embassy sent to Augustus in A. D. 20. The fourth coin has on the obverse the head of Libera, or perhaps of Bacchus, habited as a female, and on the reverse a kneeling figure of Armienia. The reverses of the next three coins are probably intended to celebrate the lore of Augustus or Petronius for poetry. The fifth coin has on the obverse the head of Augustus, and on the reverse one of the Sirens, holding a trumpet in each hand. The sixth has the same obverse, and on the reverse Pegasus. The seventh has likewise on the obverse the head of Augustus, but struck at a different period, and on the reverse the sun and moon. (Eckhel, vol. v. p. 270, full., vol. vi. p. 99.)

2. C. Petronius Turpilianus, consul B. C. 61 with C. Caesonius Paetus, was sent by Nero towards the close of the year to succeed Suetonius Paulinus in the government of Britain. He did not undertake in this province any military enterprises, but covered, says Tacitus, idle inactivity with the honourable name of peace. Nevertheless he received the triumphal insignia in A. D. 65 ; but this honour and the friendship of Nero caused his ruin, for he was in consequence put to death by order of Galba at the commencement of his reign. (Tac. Ann. 14.29, 39, Agr. 16, Ann. 15.72, Hist. 1.6, 37; Plut. Galb. 15.)