The Countless Faces of Ancient Coinage 2800-DFTWMO
The goal of the seminar is to develop skills in analyzing and interpreting the symbolism of ancient coins and understanding their significance in social, political, and cultural contexts. Students learn to draw conclusions based on numismatic sources and present their findings in an accessible way to a wide audience. The seminar format combines lectures with multimedia presentations, discussions, and practical assignments. Each session has clearly defined general and specific objectives, and the topics are presented in an engaging and interdisciplinary manner.
The seminar is divided into three modules: Olympos, SPQR, and Souls of the Roman Empire.
1. Introductory Session – Organization of the course, topics, and grading requirements.
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Module I: OLYMPOS – Myth, War, and Mysteries Etched in Metal
This module is dedicated to Greek iconography and mythological symbolism on ancient coins. Students explore various aspects of depictions of gods, plants, and war within the context of ancient Greek culture. Through the analysis of numismatics, they learn to interpret the significance of myths and beliefs in the daily lives of the Greeks and their impact on politics and society.
1. "Path to the Treasures of Antiquity" – Introduction to ancient coinage, the functions of coins, and the basic elements of numismatic description.
2. "Gold and Wars" – Analysis of depictions related to war and military activities on Greek coins.
3. "Wrath of the Gods" – An overview of Greek deities, both commonly and rarely depicted, and their significance in mythological conflicts.
4. "Wine, Leaves, and Legends" – The symbolism of plants such as laurel, hibiscus, and grapevine, and their significance in ancient Greek culture.
5. "Whisper of the Oracle" – Coins depicting sites of worship and oracles, such as Delphi and Olympia.
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Module II: SPQR – Life, War, and Death on Roman Coins
This module focuses on Roman numismatic iconography, showcasing aspects of daily life, politics, military affairs, and funeral rites in ancient Rome. Students analyze how coins reflected the ideology of the empire and served propagandistic and social functions.
1. "Forum in Your Hand" – Depictions of Forum Romanum architecture and their propagandistic significance in the context of imperial politics.
2. "A Denarius for a Day" – Simulation of daily life in ancient Rome based on the value of a denarius and purchasing power.
3. "Shadows of the Empire" – Analysis of depictions of emperors on coins across different periods and their political significance.
4. "Legions and War" – Military iconography, the life of legionaries, and military symbolism on Roman coins.
5. "Shadows Behind the Light" – Funeral symbolism and beliefs associated with the afterlife in ancient Rome.
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Module III: SOULS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE
This module explores depictions related to geography, virtues, and Roman perceptions of the world. Students delve into the iconography of personifications and Roman ideology as represented on coins.
1. "On the Roads of the Empire" – Depictions of roads, rivers, and regions, and their role in maintaining the cohesion of the empire.
2. "The Harbor of Virtues" – Analysis of Roman virtues depicted as personifications on coins and their social significance.
3. "In the Mirror of the Coin" – Iconography reflecting Roman perceptions of other cultures and imperial ideology.
The seminar aims to broaden and deepen students' understanding of the significance of coin finds in archaeology. Participants learn to interpret the symbolism and iconography of coins to better understand historical processes and the roles coins played in the lives of ancient societies. The seminar emphasizes the ability to analyze data, draw conclusions from available databases, and effectively present the rich iconography of coins to a wide audience.
The classes are conducted in the form of lectures, each following a consistent structure. Every topic is presented using carefully prepared multimedia presentations richly illustrated with examples. The lecture structure includes a general goal, followed by detailed session objectives. The content develops logically, and students engage in discussions or short practical tasks, especially during remote learning sessions.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
K_W01: Has in-depth knowledge of the role and significance of ancient numismatics within the system of sciences and understands its subject-specific and methodological characteristics.
K_W02: Knows detailed concepts and terminology used in numismatics.
K_W03: Possesses extensive knowledge of the description, analysis, and interpretation of numismatic sources.
K_W04: Has structured and theoretically grounded knowledge covering key issues in numismatics, including terminology, theories, and methodologies.
K_W06: Has specialized, detailed knowledge of selected ancient societies, including terminology, theories, and methodologies related to coin finds.
K_W11: Has detailed knowledge of the most significant achievements and main directions of development in numismatics.
K_W12: Knows and understands advanced methods of analysis and interpretation of research problems in archaeology, particularly those focused on coin finds, relevant to selected traditions, theories, and research schools.
K_W13: Knows and understands advanced methods of analyzing and interpreting information found in scientific publications.
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SKILLS: THE GRADUATE IS ABLE TO
K_U04: Formulate research problems, create original concepts, and develop and test hypotheses in the field of archaeology and ancient numismatics.
K_U05: Independently formulate conclusions, argue effectively, and create synthetic summaries while considering various perspectives.
K_U06: Independently analyze and interpret different types of artifacts within their context, using the latest research achievements to determine their significance and impact in socio-cultural processes.
K_U08: Engage in scientific debates.
K_U09: Select appropriate methods for presenting research results, including advanced information and communication techniques.
K_U11: Present research findings in written form, using specialized scientific language and numismatic terminology.
K_U12: Present research findings orally, using specialized scientific language and numismatic terminology.
K_U19: Accurately prioritize tasks to achieve their own or assigned research goals.
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SOCIAL COMPETENCIES: THE GRADUATE IS READY TO
K_K01: Utilize their knowledge and skills and recognize the need to consult experts' opinions.
K_K02: Acknowledge the significant importance of numismatic artifacts and written sources as elements of humanity's cultural heritage.
K_K03: Appreciate the unique value of archaeological/numismatic sources and their role in reconstructing human history.
K_K04: Critically evaluate the interpretation of archaeological, numismatic, and historical sources, understanding the multifaceted nature of these interpretations.
K_K05: Apply knowledge of the complex nature of culture and recognize the need to analyze various categories of sources to reconstruct human history.
K_K06: Disseminate knowledge about cultural heritage and emphasize its significance for understanding economic, social, and cultural transformations from antiquity to the present.
K_K07: Promote awareness of the responsibility for preserving cultural heritage.
K_K12: Respect and acknowledge different viewpoints shaped by diverse cultural backgrounds.
K_K13: Recognize the necessity of lifelong learning and improving their theoretical and practical numismatic skills.
K_K16: Contribute to the development of archaeology (including ancient numismatics) and uphold the ethos of the archaeologist's profession.
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Assessment criteria
Students have the option to choose one of two types of assessment for the seminar:
1. Comprehensive Examination – Covers the entire course material. Any student who prefers this option can take it without additional conditions. This is an excellent choice for those who enjoy tackling challenges in a comprehensive manner.
2. Partial Examinations – Smaller tests organized after each module. To qualify for partial examinations, students must meet the attendance requirement – a maximum of two absences is allowed. The final seminar grade is the average of the three partial examinations, enabling a more gradual assimilation of the material.
All details regarding the assessment will be explained during the first class, known as the "negotiation meeting." This is an important opportunity to clarify any doubts and learn the specifics – attendance is highly recommended.
The dates for all examinations – comprehensive, partial, and retake – will be provided during the first class. These dates will also be available in a presentation on the Kampus platform throughout the semester, ensuring convenient access at all times.
Bibliography
• K. Butcher, Roman Provincial Coins: An Introduction to the Greek Imperials, London 1988.
• R. Ciołek, P. Dyczek, Coins from Sector IV, Novae. Legionary Fortress and Late Antique Town, vol. II, Warsaw 2011.
• T. L. Donaldson, Architectura Numismatica, Or Architectural Medals of Classic Antiquity, Argonaut Press, Chicago 1965.
• R.P. Duncan-Jones, Coin Evidence from Pompeii and the Vesuvian Cities, in Presenza e Circolazione della Moneta in Area Vesuviana, Atti XIII Convegno CISN, Napoli 2007, pp. 11-26.
• A. Kunisz, Rola źródeł numizmatycznych w badaniach nad ideologią i propagandą w państwie rzymskim, in W. Kaczanowicz (ed.), Rzym Antyczny. Polityka i Pieniądz, vol. 1, Katowice 1993.
• M. Mielczarek, Mennictwo Starożytnej Grecji, Warsaw 2006.
• R. Stoll, Architektur auf Römischen Münzen, Trier 2000.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: