Archive – Roman Empire
A donative of Constantine the Great
This impressive piece belongs to a small series of silver medallions celebrating the vicennalia of Constantine II, the eldest surviving son of Constantine the Great, in 336. [ more ]
The First Marcomannic War of Marcus Aurelius
In the middle of the 2nd century AD the tribe of the Goths left its native homeland. The tribesmen moved southwards and expelled other people from their homes who in their turn tried to find new land further south. One of these tribes were the Marcomanni. [ more ]
Honni soit qui mal y pense or What exactly was the spintriae’s function?
One has to pay high prices indeed for the so-called spintriae – brothel tokens as one is secretly whispered to. There are experts who know exactly what the function of these objects was... [ more ]
The unlucky emperor Clodius Albinus – a portrait study
What a huge surprise when the company Gorny & Mosch – Giessener Münzhandlung auctioned off a Roman portrait head from the late 2nd cent. A. D. at auction sale 184 on December 18th, 2009. It was a high quality marble portrait in a remarkable state of preservation which some ... [ more ]
Drusus and Sejanus – Roman Rules of Succession to the throne
At the death of Augustus the Roman polity was not a hereditary monarchy. The power over the Romans was not transferred automatically ... [ more ]
Creator of the Paduans: Giovanni da Cavino
Giovanni da Cavino was an exceptionally gifted artist and an honoured businessman when he imitated the first Roman coins. As ‘Paduans’, they were destined to achieve world fame later on. He provided the high society with what it looked for and earned good money with it. In those days, nobody would have dreamt co call him a forger... [ more ]
A fan of Alexander the Great
Many Roman politicians adored the conquerer of the world, Alexander the Great. The emperor Caracalla was no exception... [ more ]
The sacrilege of Tarpeia – or propaganda under Augustus
Augustus’ reign went down in history as a Golden Age even though hardly any other emperor had more lives on his conscience. How did the “Prince of Peace” who continuously fought wars make his citizens believe that they lived in the happiest of all worlds? [ more ]
The sacred year of the Pagans – the Saecular Games
When the Pope declares a jubilee year, he stands in a tradition which is almost as old as Christianity itself. It was Augustus who created the practice of absolving mankind when nobody was still alive of those who had witnessed the beginning of the previous saeculum... [ more ]
Taxes for Rome
Hands up anyone who hasn’t come to be annoyed by the tangled mass of regulations accompanying our tax collection. Perhaps at different times, the situation had been better… Perhaps in Rome? [ more ]
A temple for Honos
A coin of Trajan shows a temple for Honos in great detail. Honos? You don’t know this Roman deity? Join us and you will get to know her... [ more ]
Pilgrim’s Ring and Coin of the Jewish War
This is the story of a ring, bought from an Arab in Jerusalem, the feasts of Shavout and Sukkot and a coin of the Jewish War... [ more ]
Alexander of Abonuteichos – a lesson from Asia Minor about gullibility in the 2nd cent. A. D.
You are one of those people who believe than there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy? Well, you are in accordance with a deep-seated tradition and can appeal to the fact that already in antiquity there were people who thought the same as you. .. [ more ]
Magnus Maximus or the Last Romans in Britain
Around 400 AD the Roman Empire was shaken to the core. Britain’s governor claimed himself Roman Emperor, but found his only long-lasting success in the Welsh mythology.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 1...
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The temple of Zeus Hypsistos on Mount Gerizim near Neapolis
Present-day Nablus in Palestine had an intriguing history in antiquity. On near-by Mount Gerizim an old sanctuary of the Samaritans was situated which the Greeks and Romans re-interpreted and dedicated to Zeus. Only coins bear witness of the former significance of the temple. [ more ]
In the emperor’s service – the legions
Do you sometimes dream of visiting the epoch when Roman legions dominated the world, in the same way as the time traveller of H. G. Wells? Of course it is impossible, but modern re-enactment gives you quite a good idea of what the soldiers once accomplished. [ more ]
The Son of Divine Caesar
Two rare aurei of the Gorny & Mosch sale from Augustus’ early years obtained impressive prices. Yet as intriguing as the two coins is the history of the man who minted them: Octavian better known as Augustus.
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A fresh interpretation of the Portland Vase as depiction of the first wedding on earth
An ancient cameo vase has recently appeared on the market. It does not only captivate by its beauty. It resembles another famous object, the Portland Vase whose interpretation had been controversially debated for a long time. But a closer look at the “new finding” permits a deeper understanding of the Portland Vase as well. [ more ]
Great is Artemis of the Ephesians
On his visit to Ephesus, St. Paul was in imminent danger to be lynched. Why was it that the Ephesians felt so threatened by this herald of a new god? Were they more pious than other Greeks? They were, in a way, since they lived on their religion… [ more ]
Shipping and superstition in antiquity
Sailors faced many dangers. But the superstitious people found a way to deal with that, and many deities and animals assisted the humans on the sea. A coin from Kyzikos tells of all this, a coin minted on the visit of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. [ more ]
“Sing, Muse, of the rage of Peleus’ son Achilles…”
You believe that Paris abducted Helena? Which was why the Greek destroyed Troy? What if it was completely different? The later Trojans in Roman Imperial Times adhered to an entirely different version of the story – and so they celebrated their hero Hector on their coins. [ more ]
Bread for Tarsus
In the 3th cent., Asia Minor was famine-stricken. The city of Tarsus scored a coup that made the emperor leave the grain necessary for survival to it at a cheap rate. A coin tells of how that was achieved. [ more ]
Introduction 'The People of Zurich and their Money' Part 1
Our series ‘The People of Zurich and their Money’ will present one exciting chapter of Swiss numismatics and economic history at a time. The introduction provides an initial overview in two parts. Follow along in this first section as we trace the evolution of Swiss numismatics from the beginning all the way through to the 16th century. [ more ]
The People of Zurich and Their Money 2: The Customs Station of Turicum
Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. This time, you’ll get a chance to read about two men chatting with one another at the customs station of Turicum at the end of the 2nd century AD. Much like a good DVD, this conversation comes with a sort of ‘making of’ – a little numismatic-historical backdrop to help underscore and illustrate this conversation. [ more ]
Gods Unto Themselves? Augustus and Caligula
The image of the Temple of Augustus on the sestertii of Caligula is among the most beautiful architectural motifs found on Roman coins. In its upcoming auction, Numismatica Genevensis is offering the finest known specimen of this fascinating issue. [ more ]
The ‘Modest Aphrodite’ from Nysa-Scythopolis (Beth Shean) and Ptolemais (Akko)
A comparison between a statue of Aphrodite found at Beth Shean and a coin type from the mint of Ptolemais reminds us of the realistic nature of statues appearing on city coins. [ more ]
52,000 coins found in Somerset in England
British detectorist found and reported one the biggest hoards found in Britain ever. Buried in a big jug approximately 30 cm underground were 52,000 antoniniani from the 3rd century A. D. ... [ more ]
Frome Hoard remains where it was found!
The Museum of Somerset raised 320,250 Pounds in order to preserve the biggest Roman hoard ever found in one pot in Britain for its visitors... [ more ]
Roman Piggybank underneath modern barracks
During an archaeological routine research connected with a reconstruction project 1.247 extremely nice preserved antoniniani were found in a pot at British Colchester... [ more ]
A treasure find on paper and its legal bedlam
French claims for gold coins from the time of the barrack emperors originating from the so-called hoard of Lava have feet of clay. Please find here a recent verdict, which was delivered by the administrative court of Osnabrück. [ more ]
Roman criminals detected by award winning amateur archaeologist
The Searcher acknowledged it to be the ‘most significant hoard’ in the Nations’ Greatest Find competition: a couple of blank bronze coins and an anvil. According to experts these objects were forgers’ equipment from around 300 AD... [ more ]
‘Wailing Wall’ built after Herod
Archaeological excavations permit a new view on one of the most contentious religious places of the whole world, the Jerusalem Temple Mount. Until now it was believed to be erected by King Herod. Coins point to a later completion... [ more ]
Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 1
It’s grey, it’s cold, it’s dark. Sometimes you don’t believe that it’s ever going to be light again. Enjoy a little breeze of the Turkish summer in the dead of winter. This diary of some numismatically highly interesting but barely visited sites in Turkey was written in 2009. [ more ]
Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 2
Silifke, ancient Seleucia on the Calycadnus, is a small provincial town in the middle of nowhere nearby which once Frederick Barbarossa drowned. Follow us on our way to the ancient metropolis Antioch and into the marvellous grove of Daphne, that even today is in the modern Antiochenes’ favour as an important area for recreation. [ more ]
Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 3
Do you know Antep and its fabulous museum with mosaics? If not, I strongly recommend it to you. Antep is a pleasant town where you quickly feel at home. Urfa, ancient Edessa, in contrast, can’t be recommended for women traveling on their own. And if you do, you will need steady nerves. [ more ]
Roman Imperial Coinage AD 268-276 goes online
As a preliminary step to the printed revision of the Roman Imperial Coinage V.1, part 2 a new website has gone online. The database presented there applies to the imperial reigns from AD 268 until 276 and is searchable and contains more than 4,500 entries. [ more ]
Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 4
Only a few images stick to your mind so powerfully as the huge heads of the broken monumental statues of Nemrut Dag. During our trip there, however, we have seen many other things: marvelous rocky landscapes, a magnificent bridge from Roman Times and lots of friendly people. [ more ]
Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 5
Caesarea Cappadocia – only few cities in the Roman provinces possessed an equally comprehensive coinage yet barely anything Roman is still extant in the city. [ more ]
Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 7
You don’t have to introduce Istanbul. Everyone knows the beautiful city at Bosporus River. This was our last stop on our journey across Turkey. After having been to areas with barely any touristic infrastructure it was almost a civilization shock to finally get anything again a tourist would wish. [ more ]
Sensation in Völs: Roman balance with Bacchus
The Austrian museums are proposing 100 objects in a large-scale publicity campaign. Now and then the selection comprises even an object that might fascinate those interested in economical and monetary history like this reconstruction of a Roman balance. [ more ]
Numismatic Northern Spain – Part 1
Romans and Celts aren’t exactly what come to mind when you think of Northern Spain. I had basically expected this trip to be just a one-time foray into medieval times, with perhaps a few ancient bits thrown in for good measure. But I was completely off the mark – Northern Spain has so much more to offer. [ more ]
Numismatics in Jerusalem – Part 1
Actually, numismatics concentrates on quite a narrow space in Jerusalem. There is the Israel Museum, which accommodates beside its own collection the Israel Antiquities Authority as well. And only a fifteen minutes’ walk from there you will find the exhibition of the Bank of Israel. Follow us today to a visit at the Israel Museum. [ more ]
OCRE – A major new tool for Roman numismatics
The American Numismatic Society in collaboration with New York University’s Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, has launched a major new tool to aid in the identification, research and cataloging of the coins of the ancient world: OCRE. [ more ]
Numismatic Northern Spain – Part 3
Can you hazard a guess as to which European country is the most mountainous after Switzerland? Austria? Not a chance! It’s Spain. And besides being incredibly mountainous, Spain can also boast the best-preserved Roman city wall anywhere in the world. Join us on the third leg of our incredible trip as we make our way to the Picos de Europa and then to Lugo. [ more ]
Numismatic Northern Spain (2012)
In April 2012 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Northern Spain. During the summer she published her numismatic diary of this travel. Here you can read all single parts. [ more ]
Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009)
In the summer 2009 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Turkey – of course searching for numismatic traces as she always does. She condensed her impressions in a diary whose single parts we have gathered here. [ more ]
Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece (2011)
In summer 2011 Ursula Kampmann travelled Greece writing about her numismatic – and other – experiences a vivid diary. Here are all part gathered. [ more ]
Numismatic Northern Spain – Part 6
You’ve probably never heard of Las Médulas. And yet, this site of the most important gold mines of the Roman Empire is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape of Las Médulas is staggeringly beautiful, so much so that we were distracted to the point of nearly getting completely lost. [ more ]
The Romans in Saarland
You don’t have necessarily to go far away if you want to learn about the Romans. Did you know that the only completely reconstructed Roman Imperial villa is located in Germany, more precisely in Saarland? Follow us on our tour through a Roman high-end home. [ more ]
Second antoninianus of Roman Emperor Proculus found
In the 1990s a unique coin came up, a silver coin of Proculus, a Roman third century usurper. Now metal detectorists found a second specimen in England. Discussion is arousing again: genuine or Renaissance forgery? [ more ]
Important gold coin hoard in the UK
A metal detectorist led to what turned out to be one of the largest Roman gold coin hoards ever found in the UK. 159 gold coins from late fourth century CE were found in Hertfordshire and are now being analysed. [ more ]
French National Library puts 130,000 coins online
The French National Library is making available 130,000 Greek and Roman provincial coins in an online database. This monumental project is expected to be concluded by the end of 2013, but numerous coins are searchable already. [ more ]
Beau Street Hoard being questioned about its secrets
In 2007 an archaeological excavation in the city of Bath revealed an enormous hoard of Roman coins. The content of seven of the eight bags full of coins has been counted. Currently the coins are being analysed and described. The British Museum presents this work in its blog. [ more ]
The British Museum and the University of Leicester announce £645K to study Roman hoards found in Britain
The Arts and Humanities Research Council has awarded the British Museum, working in collaboration with the University of Leicester, a £645K grant for a 3-year project on “Crisis or continuity? The deposition of metalwork in the Roman world: what do coin hoards tell us about Roman Britain in the 3rd century AD?” [ more ]
Videos on Medieval and Roman numismatics
French numismatist Georges Depeyrot has uploaded onto his profile at Academia.edu two videos explaining the world of Roman coins and Medieval numismatics. [ more ]