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Steersman of the world


quid est?

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A composite of various relics may clarify a particular detail. It appears that Hadrian was one who carried the 'ship of state' idea to Britain.

There are several examples of a ship rudder. These are with Hadrian on a coin, Fortuna sculpted at Castlecary Scotland and Salus inscribed in Wales (where the Hadrian coin was found).  Fortuna and Salus are inscribed together at Chester. 'Salus was often represented on coins and art, like Fortuna, with a rudder and a globe at her feet, indicating her responsibility for steering the state for the good of the people.'

Hadrian. https://www.flickr.com/photos/museumwales/5950606340/
The coin was struck in AD 119/121and found in Wales. This was the year before he visited Britain .

 

 Salus' right foot is on a globe, holding a rudder upwards in her left hand.  It's also Hadrian's coin and dated 119-123.

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_R-9382

So Salus is evidently a gubernator, steering the state with Fortuna. Then Fortuna on the Fenwick Hoard has the powers of Jupiter and Victory, as a military deity.https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Fenwick-Hoard-Teachers-notes.pdf

 p.9.  1 silver armlet (or armillae). 

 

Then finally, Fortuna at Castlecary fort would be steering the military fortunes of state with her rudder.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dandiffendale/26258772660

 

Is this evidence for the 'ship of state' and its emphasis for the military sense, which naturally means the naval ships?

 

 

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