Moneta: A History of Ancient Rome in Twelve Coins

The book "Moneta: Ancient Rome's Unstoppable Rise Told Through 12 Remarkable Coins" explores the history of ancient Rome through the eyes of 12 remarkable coins.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2024
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

The extraordinary story of ancient Rome, history's greatest superpower, is told through humankind's most universal object: the coin. When Gareth Harney was first handed a Roman coin by his father as a child, he was entranced by its beauty, its permanence, and its unique power to connect us with the distant past. He soon learned that the Romans saw coins as far more than just money; these were metal canvases on which they immortalized their sacred gods, mighty emperors, towering monuments, and brutal battles of conquest. Revealed in those intricate designs struck in gold, silver, and bronze was the epic history of the Roman world.

Moneta traces ancient Rome's unstoppable rise, from a few huts on an Italian hilltop to an all-conquering empire spanning three continents, through the fascinating lives of twelve remarkable coins. In these handcrafted pieces of ancient art, we witness Caesar's bloody assassination, follow the legions to the edge of the known world, take a seat in the packed Colosseum, and ultimately, watch as barbarian armies mass at the gates. Hold the glory and the infamy of ancient Rome in the palm of your hand.

The Roman coin was not just a means of exchange but a symbol of the empire's power and influence. It was used to pay soldiers, build roads, and support public works projects. The Roman mint was one of the most efficient and sophisticated in the ancient world, producing coins with intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship.

One of the most famous Roman coins is the denarius, which was minted from 211 BC to 284 AD. The denarius was the primary unit of currency in ancient Rome and was struck in silver and bronze. It features the image of the Roman goddess Venus, who was associated with love, beauty, and fertility.

Another notable Roman coin is the aureus, which was minted from 27 BC to 284 AD. The aureus was struck in gold and was the highest-value coin in ancient Rome. It features the image of the Roman emperor Augustus, who was the first emperor of the Roman Empire and is considered one of the greatest leaders in history.

The Roman coin also played a role in the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. The early Christian church used the coin as a means of exchange and as a symbol of their faith. The Christian cross was often depicted on Roman coins, and the use of the coin helped to spread the message of Christianity throughout the empire.

Despite the decline of the Roman Empire in the fifth century AD, the Roman coin continued to be used as a means of exchange in the Byzantine Empire and other medieval societies. The Roman coin remains a fascinating and important object of study for historians and collectors alike, and its legacy continues to be felt today.

In conclusion, the Roman coin is a remarkable object that tells the story of ancient Rome's rise, fall, and legacy. From its humble beginnings as a means of exchange to its status as a symbol of empire and faith, the Roman coin has played a vital role in shaping the history of the world. Its intricate designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and enduring legacy continue to captivate and inspire us today.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 241 x 162 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847927507