- Inter-faculty Studies in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Computer Science
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Mathematics
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Computer Science
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Mathematics
Mass media in ancient Rome 2800-DWMEDR-OG
What This Course Is About
The course focuses on the representations and iconographic motifs that appear on coins of ancient Rome. Each element of coin imagery is discussed step by step, with an explanation of its meaning and cultural context, often compared with analogous motifs in sculpture and painting. This approach makes the complex iconography of Roman coinage easier to understand and remember.
The course covers the entire chronological span of Roman coinage, from the Republic through the Imperial period and into Late Antiquity. Each lecture is richly illustrated and, whenever possible, supplemented with carefully selected fragments of documentary films.
The entire course is structured as a journey through the Roman Empire. Two fictional guides – Quintus and Clodia – comment on the discussed topics from their ancient perspective. Their stories bring history to life and show Rome as a place full of humor, energy, and everyday emotions. All lecture presentations are available for download on the Kampus platform.
How We Will Explore Ancient Rome
The course is divided into three modules: COLOSSEUM, VIA APPIA, and OSTIA ANTICA.
Each part takes students to a different setting and a different aspect of Roman life – from the bustle of the city to the sea breeze and the mysteries of the afterlife. Although the topics vary, they all share a common thread: the ways in which Romans conveyed ideas, values, and emotions through their coinage.
Throughout the course, students will encounter countless stories, curiosities, anecdotes, and surprising facts. Humor is never far away, because the ancient world could be unexpectedly funny. Each lecture is complemented by short one- or two-minute videos with commentary by the lecturer, drawing attention to iconographic details and hidden messages on the coins.
Module I: COLOSSEUM – Life at the Center of the World
Lecture Zero: Let’s Negotiate
An introductory meeting where the rules of the course are discussed and agreed upon. These “terms of the contract” remain in force for the entire semester.
Mass Media in Ancient Rome
How was information transmitted across the Empire? What was the role of money, and how did Romans count their coins?
A Walk Through the Forum Romanum (Like Proper Tourists!)
Exploring the heart of ancient Rome – the center of politics, religion, and propaganda.
One Denarius a Day
Can you survive on a Roman worker’s daily wage? We will try – from morning coffee to evening rest.
Meeting Nero
How did emperors come to power? What did coins say about them, and how did “news” spread through the Empire?
Free Time and Shopping in the World’s First Mall
Forum of Trajan or small street shops? What could be bought for a sestertius, a denarius, or an aureus?
Module II: VIA APPIA – On the Road Through the Empire
In the Shade of the Pines
How did Romans relax? Was the night in Rome peaceful or full of noise and commotion?
All Roads Lead to Rome
Quintus embarks on a journey around the Roman world, from the Via Appia to the edges of the Empire.
All Corpses Lead to Rome
Imperial portraits and their darker side. Who eliminated whom in the struggle for power, and why?
On Horseback, on Foot, or by Ship
How did Romans travel within and beyond the city? A one-day journey beyond the walls of Rome, with a proper Roman picnic on the way.
Following the Legion
What did a legionary carry on his back? What did a marching army look like, and why did Augustus cry out, “Varus, give me back my legions!”?
Module III: OSTIA ANTICA – The Sea, the Gods, and the Afterlife
Beyond the City, Among the Lemures
Romans and their attitude toward death, memory, and the world of spirits.
In Neptune’s Embrace
The port, the sea, and the idea of safety. Roman travels, ships, and preparations for holidays.
Animals That Spoke Louder Than Words
Animals on coins – symbols, signs, and sometimes delicacies on Roman tables.
Us Through Roman Eyes
How were “barbarians” depicted on Roman coins when Rome conquered everyone, and when everyone started conquering Rome.
Who These Lectures Are For
All lectures focus on the ways in which ideas and information were communicated through Roman coins, even if at first glance the topics seem to go far beyond numismatics.
This is a course for curious minds who enjoy learning through images, stories, and anecdotes. It combines solid academic knowledge with accessible language, a touch of humor, and a hint of theatrical flair.
One final note: please register only if you truly intend to participate. The number of places is limited to one hundred, and there are always more applicants than seats. Let’s make room for those who are genuinely eager to take part in this journey through the ancient world.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE: THE GRADUATE KNOWS AND UNDERSTAND
K_W01 has a basic knowledge of the place and importance of archeology in the system of sciences, human socio-cultural past and its specific and methodological specificity
K_W02 knows the basic concepts and terminology used in archeology
K_W03 has a basic knowledge of the description, analysis and interpretation of archaeological sources
K_W06 has a basic knowledge of the links between archeology and other fields and scientific disciplines in the area of humanities, social, natural and exact sciences
K_W08 has a basic knowledge of the main directions of development and the most important new achievements in the field of archeology
K_W09 knows and understands the basic methods of analysis and interpretation of numismatic representations
K_W15 has a general knowledge of the properties of coins and ways of their use by ancient communities
SKILLS: THE GRADUATE CAN:
K_U02 search, analyze, evaluate, select and use information contained in various numismatic sources
K_U03 independently interpret iconographic sources
K_U09 use the basic research concepts and theoretical approaches appropriate for ancient numismatics
K_U13 detect simple relationships between artifacts (numismatics) and ancient cultural and social processes
SOCIAL COMPETENCES: THE GRADUATE IS READY TO:
K_K01 use of their knowledge and skills and is aware of the need to confront them with the opinions of experts
K_K03 to appreciate the unique values of numismatic sources and their role in recreating the human past
K_K04 a critical evaluation of the interpretation of numismatic and historical sources, with the awareness of the multifaceted nature of the interpretation
K_K06 emphasizing the importance of the cultural heritage of mankind for the understanding of the process of economic, social and cultural changes from the earliest times to the present day
K_K12 recognition and respect for different points of view determined by a different cultural background
Assessment criteria
Course Organization
The course will be conducted in two formats.
Each participant may freely choose the preferred mode of learning – or combine both options depending on individual convenience.
1. Live Lectures (online)
Held on Mondays from 18:30 to 20:00 via Google Meets.
A link to the meeting is sent to all participants 15 minutes before each lecture.
Attendance is optional – everyone interested and able to join is warmly welcome.
2. Individual Study (asynchronous mode)
Each lecture can be completed independently at any convenient time.
The PowerPoint presentations are uploaded in advance on the Kampus platform.
Students have eight days to go through each lecture.
The task is simple: download the presentation, study the material, complete the exercises provided at the end, and upload them in the designated section on Kampus.
Important Information
There is no need to declare which form you choose.
You may attend a live lecture one week and study independently the next – full flexibility according to your schedule and preference.
Assessment Options (choose one)
1. Comprehensive Final Exam
Covers the entire course material.
No attendance list is kept – participation in lectures is not required.
Every registered student is eligible to take the exam.
2. Partial Exams
Conducted after each module, covering smaller portions of the material.
Students must either complete the assigned tasks (see above) or attend the live lectures.
It is allowed to skip two sessions or assignments per semester without penalty.
Bibliography
M.R. Alföldi, Antike Numismatik, t. 1-2, Mainz 1978
W. Szaivert, R. Wolters, Löhne, Preise, Werte, Quellen zur römischen Geldwirtschaft, Darmstadt 2005
C. J. Howgego, Ancient History from Coins, London-New York 1995
M. R. Alföldi, Bild und Bildsprache der römischen Kaiser. Beispiele und Analysen, Mainz 1999
P. Bastien, Le buste monétaire des empereurs romains, Wetteren 1992-1994
Dh. Hill, The monuments of ancient Rome as coin types, London 1989
R. Wolters, Nummi Signati. Untersuchungen zur römischen Münzprägung und Geldwirtschaft, München 1999
R.A.G. Carson, Coins of the Roman Empire, London-New York, 1990
Die Münze. Bild - Botschaft - Bedeutung, Festschrift für Maria R.-Alföldi, Frankfurt a.M.-Bern-New York 1991 (artykuły n/t ikonografii)
Korpusy do określania monet:
- M. H. Crawford, Roman Republikan Coinage, Cambridge 1974
- The Roman Imperial Coinage (wyd. H. Mattingly, E. A. Sydenham, C. H. V. Sutherland, R. A. G. Carson, P. H. Webb, J. W. E. Pearce, P. M. Bruun, J. P. C. Kent), t. 1*10, London 1923*1994
- Late Roman Bronze Coinage, A.D. 324*498 (wyd. P. V. Hill, J. P. C. Kent, R. A. G. Carson), London 1960
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
- Inter-faculty Studies in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Computer Science
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Mathematics
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Computer Science
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Mathematics
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: