On the 99th day of the year we look to this particular Roman minted coin for the emperor, Pupienus (164-238AD), who, with his co-emperor, Balbinus, ruled for just 99 days. They were two of the six men who ruled as emperor of Rome in 238 AD in the politically turbulent Year of the Six Emperors.

Pupienus and Balbinus were initially appointed by the Senate as emperors to end the reign of emperor Maximinus Thrax, after emperors Gordian I and Gordian II died. Pupienus set out to Northern Italy to collect an army while Balbinus remained in Rome, but Maximinus was slain by his own troops. However, Pupienus and Balbinus disagreed on policy and relations deteriorated between them. Pupienus and Balbinus were then murdered by the Praetorian Guard who disagreed with their appointment. They were succeeded by Gordian III as the sole ruler of the empire.

This coin among others can be seen on display at the Roman Painted House. The Roman Painted House is open today (Thursday 9 April) from 10am to 4pm, and on the following days:

• Friday 10 April - Sunday 12 April
• Thursday 16 April - Sunday 19 April
• Saturday 25 April

The house will then be open every Saturday during term-time and Thursday to Sunday in the school holidays.

[Image description: An obverse of a Roman minted coin featuring a detailed profile portrait of emperor Pupienus with inscription IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG]