Inscribed Objects: Roman Coins and Latin Inscriptions (VS1) (U03769)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-VS1-INSCR

Roman coins and Latin inscriptions are amongst the most important sources for Roman imperial history and archaeology. No other imperial propaganda tool circulated as widely as coins, no other inscribed objects were produced in similar quantities and (apart from pottery) no other category of artefact is as important for dating Roman sites and archaeological contexts. Unlike mass-produced coins and other portable objects, inscriptions on stone tend to relate to local events (e.g. personal life stories of, or religious dedications by, members of the local community, building projects, etc.). For crucial aspects of Roman political, religious, economic and social history inscriptions are an important, if not the only, source.
Despite their significance, coins and inscriptions, unless cited by a secondary author, are often ignored by a high proportion of archaeologists as well as some historians. This course aims to provide students with the skills to understand and interpret coin legends and images and the text of basic Latin inscriptions. Identifying individual coins will form as much part of the course as gaining the ability to correctly interpret larger assemblages, be they votive deposits from temples or sacred springs, or personal savings hidden in times of crisis. Placing coins and inscriptions in their proper archaeological and historical context is the ultimate goal.
The ability to make the most of the two principal categories of inscribed objects from Roman Antiquity will provide students with a richer and more varied understanding of life in the Roman world.
No prior knowledge of Latin is required. Neither, however, will it be possible to avoid dealing with basic Latin. Inscriptions and coin legends include a limited number of recurring and frequently abbreviated Latin terms. While a willingness to deal with and memorise such key terms is essential, deciphering inscriptions and coin legends is much easier than commonly thought.

Entry Requirements

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : U03768

? Pre-requisites : Appropriate experience in Roman Archaeology, Roman History or Latin at the discretion of the Course Organiser.

? Special Arrangements for Entry : This course is only for visiting students in Edinburgh during the 1st Semester but NOT the 2nd Semester. In order for a student to be enrolled, contact must be made with a Course Secretary on 50 3580 in order for approval to be obtained.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Classical Art/Classical Archaeology, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Other subject areas

Ancient History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
18/09/2007	16:00	18:00	Room G.04, William Robertson Building	Central	This course is only for visiting students in Edinburgh during the 1st Semester but NOT the 2nd Semester. In order for a student to be enrolled, contact must be made with a Course Secretary on 50 3580

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	16:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students should be
able to demonstrate, partially in written examinations and partially in coursework:
- the ability to identify some Roman coins;
- the ability to interpret a significant proportion of coin legends;
- some knowledge of the economic significance of coinage;
- some knowledge on the importance of coinage as a source for Roman history and the ability to provide specific examples;
- the ability to interpret the significance of larger coin assemblages, their date and the reasons for their concealment, loss or deposition;
- the ability to know and explain some key terms featuring on inscriptions or in coin legends;
- the ability to date a significant proportion of coins and inscriptions;
- the ability to assess the significance of different categories of inscriptions and give concrete examples
- the ability to explain some aspects of political, religious, social and economic history illuminated by inscriptions.