The aim of this course is to introduce students to the main developments in the coinage of the ancient world, from its early beginnings in the 7th century BCE to the Middle Ages. We will explore the major periods from its invention in the Near East, through its rich phase of Greek and Roman civilizations to the adoption of Christianity and its religious symbolism in Byzantine and Medieval times, with special interests in ancient art, religion, philosophy, politics and mythology. Students will gain an understanding of the key moments that took place in the numismatic history of antiquity and be able to examine critically some of the interpretations of ancient coinage through modern scholarship.
