Nero, Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, 2nd issue, 65 AD.,
Æ Dupondius (28-30 mm / 13,03 g),
Obv.: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P , laureate head of Nero facing left, small (early form) globe at the point of neck (RIC obv. Type 31 G).
Rev.: MAC - AVG / S - C , frontal view of the Macellum Magnum flanked by two-storied wings with porticoes; above the step in the centre, male figure standing on base facing, holding long sceptre within cylindrical tetrastyle entrance set on tiered base, upper tristyle story surmounted by ornate conical dome; two-story tristyle porch on either side.
RIC I, 175, 402 (coimmon) ; BMC 336 ; WCN 507 ; Coh. 129 .
A macellum is an ancient Roman indoor market building that sold mostly provisions (especially fruits and vegetables). The building normally sat alongside the forum and basilica, providing a place in which a market could be held. Each macellum sells very different produce, depending on the local produce, but it was not uncommon to import goods, especially at ports.
The Macellum Magnum was Nero's great provision-market probably dating from 59 AD. This magnificent structure, originally occupying the middle of a square lined with porticoes and shops, was located on the Caelian Hill. It survived in its original state until the late 4th century when its dilapidated condition necessitated a major reconstruction. During the turbulent 5th century the building again fell into partial ruin and in the latter part of the century it was transformed under Pope Simplicius (468-482 AD.) into the church of S. Stefano Rotondo. Today the church is the National church in Rome of Hungary dedicated to Saint Stephen and Saint Stephen of Hungary. The minor basilica is also the rectory church of the Pontifical Collegium Germanicum et Hungaricum.
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