Aureus

Definition

The aureus was a gold coin used in Ancient Rome, first introduced in the late Roman Republic and widely circulated during the Empire. It was a symbol of wealth and power, often used to pay for large transactions, military salaries, and public works. The aureus also played an important role in reflecting political propaganda and the achievements of emperors through its coinage imagery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The aureus typically weighed about 8 grams and had a gold purity of around 95%, making it a valuable currency in Ancient Rome.
2. Aurei often featured portraits of emperors on one side, while the reverse side displayed various deities or symbols related to the emperor’s achievements.
3. The use of the aureus declined in the late 3rd century AD due to economic instability and debasement of currency, leading to its replacement by other denominations.
4. Aurei were not only important for economic transactions but also served as tools for political messaging, reinforcing the legitimacy of rulers.
5. Collectors today highly value ancient aurei for their artistic quality and historical significance, making them sought-after artifacts in numismatic circles.

Review Questions

• How did the design and imagery on the aureus contribute to the political power of Roman emperors?
  • The design and imagery on the aureus played a significant role in bolstering the political power of Roman emperors by serving as a medium for propaganda. By featuring their portraits alongside symbolic imagery of victories or divine associations, emperors were able to communicate their legitimacy and accomplishments to the populace. This visual representation reinforced their authority and established a direct connection between the emperor and the prosperity or stability of the empire.
• Analyze how changes in the economy affected the circulation and value of the aureus over time.
  • Changes in the economy greatly influenced both the circulation and value of the aureus throughout Roman history. Initially, it served as a stable form of currency due to its high gold content and reliability. However, during periods of economic instability, such as the Crisis of the Third Century, there were significant issues with currency debasement. This led to decreased trust in gold coins, causing many merchants to favor silver denarii instead, thus diminishing the aureus's role as a dominant currency.
• Evaluate the significance of numismatic imagery on aurei in shaping our understanding of Roman cultural values and beliefs.
  • Numismatic imagery on aurei is crucial for understanding Roman cultural values and beliefs because it reflects not only economic status but also societal priorities. The choice of symbols—such as gods, victories, or civic virtues—illustrates what was important to Romans at various points in history. Analyzing these images allows historians to gain insights into how Romans viewed their leaders, their gods, and their own identities within an ever-expanding empire. Thus, aurei serve as valuable artifacts that reveal deeper layers of Roman life beyond mere currency.

Related terms

Denarius: A silver coin that was the standard currency of Rome, which was commonly used in everyday transactions.

Numismatics: The study of coins and currency, including their history, production, and use as historical artifacts.

Imperial Iconography:

The visual symbols and images associated with imperial authority and representation on coins and monuments.