Bearers of Meaning Ancient and Byzantine Coins

Bearers of Meaning: Ancient and Byzantine Coins is a book by Anne S. Robertson that examines the use of coins as symbols of power, identity, and religious belief in the ancient and Byzantine worlds. Robertson argues that coins were not simply economic objects, but also powerful tools of communication that were used to shape public opinion and promote political and religious agendas.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part examines the use of coins in the ancient world, focusing on the Greek and Roman empires. Robertson argues that coins played a vital role in the political and religious life of these empires. For example, Greek coins often depicted gods and goddesses, which helped to promote the state religion. Roman coins often depicted emperors and members of the imperial family, which helped to legitimize their rule.

The second part of the book examines the use of coins in the Byzantine Empire. Robertson argues that coins played an even more important role in the Byzantine Empire than they did in the ancient world. This is because the Byzantine Empire was a Christian empire, and coins were used to promote the Christian faith. For example, Byzantine coins often depicted Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and other Christian saints.

Bearers of Meaning: Ancient and Byzantine Coins is a well-written and informative book that provides a fascinating look at the use of coins in the ancient and Byzantine worlds. It is essential reading for anyone interested in ancient and Byzantine history, numismatics, or the use of symbols in communication.

Here are some of the key topics that Robertson explores in the book:

The use of coins as symbols of power and identity in the ancient and Byzantine worlds
The role of coins in the political and religious life of the ancient and Byzantine empires
The use of coins to promote the Christian faith in the Byzantine Empire
The use of coins as tools of communication
The relationship between coins and other forms of art and material culture

Robertson's work is based on a wide range of sources, including coins, inscriptions, and literary texts. She draws on this evidence to present a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the use of coins in the ancient and Byzantine worlds.

Bearers of Meaning: Ancient and Byzantine Coins is an essential resource for anyone interested in this topic. It is a well-written and informative book that provides a fascinating look at the use of coins in the ancient and Byzantine worlds.