Ancient Numismatics Ma
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding in the history and archaeology of ancient coinages, with a focus on the Greek and Roman worlds.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: Students will acquire a methodological background useful for approaching contextual numismatic studies; they will be aware of theoretical and practical information that will allow them to offer a correct technical analysis and critical evaluation of ancient coins and ancient coinages. Secondly, they will also learn the Italian and European laws about the management of coins as an archaeological item.
Skills: Students will learn managing ancient coins, using them as an instrument to reconstruct ancient economies and past societies. They will also learn how to investigate coins in archaeological contexts e their association with other materials. They will also gain experience in cataloguing coins according to ministerial forms.
Skills: Students will learn managing ancient coins, using them as an instrument to reconstruct ancient economies and past societies. They will also learn how to investigate coins in archaeological contexts e their association with other materials. They will also gain experience in cataloguing coins according to ministerial forms.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The following topics are presented and discussed:
Part A (20 h; 3 ECTS): Coins in context
Part B (20 h; 3 ECTS): Hoards in context and out of context
During the first part of the course (A: 20 hours), the subject of coins as single finds within their archaeological context will be examined in depth, employing the most recent archaeological investigation methodologies. The second part of the course (B: 20 hours) will explore the topic of hoards/accumulations of coins found in context and out of context.
In order to obtain a total of 6 ECTS, students are required to attend both Parts A and B of the course. It is not possible to obtain a total of 3 ECTS credits by attending only one part of the course.
Whilst attendance at the course is not required, it is strongly recommended.
Part A (20 h; 3 ECTS): Coins in context
Part B (20 h; 3 ECTS): Hoards in context and out of context
During the first part of the course (A: 20 hours), the subject of coins as single finds within their archaeological context will be examined in depth, employing the most recent archaeological investigation methodologies. The second part of the course (B: 20 hours) will explore the topic of hoards/accumulations of coins found in context and out of context.
In order to obtain a total of 6 ECTS, students are required to attend both Parts A and B of the course. It is not possible to obtain a total of 3 ECTS credits by attending only one part of the course.
Whilst attendance at the course is not required, it is strongly recommended.
Prerequisites for admission
Detailed knowledge of Greek and Roman History and Greek and Roman Archaeology.
Teaching methods
The ancient numismatics classes for the master's degree are taught during the first 20 hours of lessons (A) using traditional lecture methods. During the second part (20 hours) (B), students will be invited to actively participate in the analysis and discussion of specific cases through short presentations.
Teaching Resources
A. Attending Students
Students who intend to take the 6 ECTS exam (A+B = 40 hours) should prepare, in addition to the lecture notes and the materials discussed during the course, texts 1, 2 and 3.
1) W.E. Metcalf (ed. by), The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2011 [chapters 2-10]
2) A. Savio, Monete Romane, Jouvence, Roma 2002 [or other editions]
3) N. Parise, La nascita della moneta. Segni premonetari e forme arcaiche dello scambio, Roma 2000
B. Non-attending Students
Non-attending students who intend to take the 6 ECTS exam will have to prepare texts 4, 5, 6 and 7.
4) W.E. Metcalf (ed. by), The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2011 [chapters 2-10].
5) A. Savio, Monete Romane, Jouvence, Roma 2002 [or other editions].
6) F. Barello, Archeologia della moneta. Produzione e utilizzo nell'antichità, Carocci, Roma 2006 [or other editions]
7) N. Parise, La nascita della moneta. Segni premonetari e forme arcaiche dello scambio, Roma 2000
Students who intend to take the 6 ECTS exam (A+B = 40 hours) should prepare, in addition to the lecture notes and the materials discussed during the course, texts 1, 2 and 3.
1) W.E. Metcalf (ed. by), The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2011 [chapters 2-10]
2) A. Savio, Monete Romane, Jouvence, Roma 2002 [or other editions]
3) N. Parise, La nascita della moneta. Segni premonetari e forme arcaiche dello scambio, Roma 2000
B. Non-attending Students
Non-attending students who intend to take the 6 ECTS exam will have to prepare texts 4, 5, 6 and 7.
4) W.E. Metcalf (ed. by), The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2011 [chapters 2-10].
5) A. Savio, Monete Romane, Jouvence, Roma 2002 [or other editions].
6) F. Barello, Archeologia della moneta. Produzione e utilizzo nell'antichità, Carocci, Roma 2006 [or other editions]
7) N. Parise, La nascita della moneta. Segni premonetari e forme arcaiche dello scambio, Roma 2000
Assessment methods and Criteria
The Ancient Numismatics LM exam is an oral test. It will focus on the topics covered in class and the texts included in the programme. During the test, students must show that they have learned the fundamental concepts of the discipline. They must also show that they can correctly place coins in their archaeological contexts. The ability to organise the knowledge acquired, clarity and accuracy of presentation, and competence in approaching critically ancient coins will also be assessed as a whole.
The grades are expressed in 30/30 and the minimum grade to pass the exam is 18.
WARNING
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also SLD should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
The grades are expressed in 30/30 and the minimum grade to pass the exam is 18.
WARNING
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also SLD should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
Professor(s)