The Hellenistic World: Using Coins as Sources

by: Thonemann, P.

Coinage is one of our key sources for the rich and fascinating history of the Hellenistic world (323–31 BC). This book provides students of the period with an up-to-date introduction to Hellenistic gold, silver and bronze coins in their cultural and economic contexts. It also offers new perspectives on four major themes in contemporary Hellenistic history: globalisation, identity, political economy and ideology. With more than 250 illustrations, and written in a lucid and accessible style, this book sheds new light on the diverse and multicultural societies of the Hellenistic world, from Alexander to Augustus. The author assumes no prior knowledge of Hellenistic history, and all Greek and Latin texts are translated throughout.

Provides the only up-to-date introduction to this period of ancient Greek coinage
Analyses Hellenistic coinage in its historical contexts, showing historians how to use coins as evidence for political, economic and cultural history
Includes more than 250 photographs of Hellenistic gold, silver and bronze coins, presenting a vivid and attractive 'visual essay' on Hellenistic coins

Table of Contents
Part I. Globalization:
1. Alexander and the transformation of Greek coinage
2. A 'big' Hellenistic world
Part II. Identity:
3. Civic identities
4. Collective identities
5. Hellenizing identities
Part III. Political Economy:
6. Currency systems
7. Bronze and silver
Part IV. Ideology:
8. Kings
9. From Flamininus to Augustus
Guide to further reading
Appendices Andrew Meadows:
1. Glossary of numismatic terms
2. Denominational systems
3. The manufacture and material of ancient coinage.

The Hellenistic World: Using Coins as Sources

by: Thonemann, P.

• ISBN-13: 9781107451759 / 978-1-107-45175-9
• ISBN-03: 1107451752 / 1-107-45175-2
• Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2015