Archaeological Sciences

ANNALISA POLOSA
ANNALISA POLOSA

Aim of the course is providing students with basic knowledge and methodological tools needed for the study of the birth and developments of coinage in the ancient world.

The course has the aim to provide students with knowledge on the monetary history of the ancient world; this will allow students to use numismatic sources in the frame of archaeological and historical research.

no precondition required

Introduction to numismatics; introduction to economic history; methodology and tools; history of coinage (Asia Minor, Greece and the Greek world; Rome and the Roman world); case studies.

1 handbook to be chosen between:
R. Cantilena, La moneta in Grecia e a Roma. Appunti di Numismatica antica, Bologna (Monduzzi) 2008.

F. Barello, Archeologia della moneta. Produzione e utilizzo nell'antichità, Roma (Carocci) 2006).



Further reading related with case studies or students’ individual projects will be provided during the course.

Lectures and seminars

I semester

LT Scienze Archeologiche, Numismatica Antica (1026090)
TUE– THU 8-12, aula E
from 10/11/25 to 20/12/25

Not mandatory. Students not attending the course are required to agree an alternative program with the teacher.

Assessment takes place at the end of the course through a seminar discussion on topics agreed upon with the teacher, and through a final oral exam designed to verify the student's acquisition of knowledge in the field of economic and monetary history of the ancient world.

When and where was coinage introduced in the Greek world; the structure of Athenian coinage; the chronology and organization of the Roman monetary system; recognition of coins examined during the lessons.

• introduction to numismatics


• methods and tools


• definition of coins


• production techniques


• the first coins


• Asia Minor


• Greece and the Greek world


• Rome and the Roman world


• case studies: production


• case studies: circulation