Premium Essay

Roman Money History

Submitted By
Words 447
Pages 2
For my presentation, I researched about money, trade, merchants, and medical care of Ancient Rome. While researching, I learned many things about the history of Ancient Rome. Their ways back then were very different then our ways today.

Ancient Roman money was very similar to our coins today, yet very different. They had five different types of coins, but instead of the coins being worth anything we wish to buy like today, their coins were worth donkeys. Their basic unit of money was a copper coin called an “as”. A larger copper coin was called “dupondius” and was worth 2 donkeys. A bronze coin was called “sestertius” and was worth 4 donkeys. A silver coin was called “denarius” and was worth 16 donkeys. Lastly, a gold coin was called “aureus” and was worth 100 donkeys. All of these coins were called a “tiny newspaper” by the emperor. One side the emperor used to announce important events, such as military victory. Another coin may show the emperor as the chief priest so people think he had the support of the gods. …show more content…
They traded with many civilizations. For example, they received silk from China, spices and gems from India, incense from southern Arabia, wine, olive oil, honey, salt, fish, wax, pitch, red dye, black wool, and fine cloth from Spain, wines from France, glassware and cloth from Syria, shoes from Greece, marble from Africa and Asia, robes from Babylonia, grain from Africa, Egypt, and Sicily, and tin and metals from

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Rection Paper in Fcl

...University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Office of The Religion Affairs Dep’t In Partial Fulfillment on The Assignment Number 1 (Midterm) The Groups of People During The Time of Jesus Submitted by: Cristellesen D. Abara (MWF 10:11am FCL 302) Submitted to: Sir. Manny Cagata PHARISEE Conflicts between the Pharisees and the Sadducees took place in the context of much broader and longstanding social and religious conflicts among Jews dating back to the Babylonian captivity and exacerbated by the Roman conquest. One conflict was class, between the wealthy and the poor, as the Sadducees included mainly the priestly and aristocratic families. Another conflict was cultural, between those who favored hellenization and those who resisted it. A third was juridico-religious, between those who emphasized the importance of the Temple, and those who emphasized the importance of other Mosaic laws and prophetic values. A fourth, specifically religious, involved different interpretations of the Bible, and how to apply the Torah to Jewish life, with the Sadducees recognizing only the written letter of the Tanakh or Torah and rejecting life after death, while the Pharisees held to Rabbinic interpretations additional to the written texts.  Josephus indicates that the Pharisees received the backing and goodwill of the common people, apparently in contrast to the more elite Sadducees. Pharisees claimed prophetic or Mosaic authority...

Words: 1119 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Essay On The Histories: The Constitution Of The Mid-Republic

...Polybius. The Histories: The Constitution of the Mid-Republic Often, when talking about Ancient Rome, images of a vast empire, flourishing cities, loyal citizens, and the most powerful and wealthy state of its time come to mind. While there are many factors that can be accredited to the success of this once grand nation, the most prominent, and impactful still today, would be that of the government—the Roman Republic. Much credit to the success of the Empire lies with the creation of this government that, to this day, is still viewed as ideal. Why though was the Roman government able to produce long periods of prosperity and unity? Perhaps a more detailed look how the government was able to operate functionally and efficiently for long spans of time lies within the Roman Constitution. Probably the first...

Words: 689 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Roman Slavery

...World History to 1500 8 October 2015 Writing Assignment #1: Roman Slavery According to Siculus in The History of the World, slaves were often utilized to operate the mines during the 1st Century BC in Ancient Rome. These slaves would spend their days and nights in the mineshafts, often wearing their bodies down. They usually weren’t given rest or break from their hard labor. The slaves were forced by the whiplashes of their overseers to undergo the most horrible of hardships. Many slaves died because of the extreme maltreatment they went through. Slaves often prayed for death rather than life because of the amount of suffering they were forced to go through. Slaves were treated as if they were objects rather than human beings. As stated on page 172 in Shelton, a slave’s owner would rent out the slaves for a certain period of time. The renter is required to have the slave with in their presence day and night. The renter must feed and provide the slave with other necessities. The only thing the owner needs to still provide the slave wen being rented is clothing. The slave will be given four days off a year and any more days off due to illness, festivals or a pressing necessity on the part of his or her master would be deducted from the rental fee. The rent is due at the end of the month without delay by monthly installments. One of the jobs of slaves in Rome was farming. On page 165 to 166 in Shelton, Varro breaks up farming instruments in three categories. Slaves are found...

Words: 1561 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Fall of the Imperialist Roman Empire

...territorial height in the first and second century CE, the Roman Empire may have contained between 45 million and 120 million people. The Roman military can be viewed as one of the greatest armies in world history. Historian Edward Gibbon estimated that "the size of the Roman army most probably formed a standing force of three hundred and seventy-five thousand men, at the Empire's territorial peak in the time of the Emperor Hadrian." The Roman population slowly decreased because many barbaric tribes settled along the borders of the Empire and began sacking cities and attacking villages. By the end of the fourth and the beginning of the fifth century, the Roman military began to decay into tons of problems. Many factors contributed to the military decline of the Roman Empire, including a lack of discipline, financial problems, and poor military tactics and decisions by the empire. In result of these factors, barbarians were able to attack the walls of the empire with more ease because of the lack of defense. These barbarian attacks helped prone the efficiency of the army's defenses and tactics which impart the major downfall of the empire. A change in military tactics during the third and fourth century CE was central in the decline of the Roman Army. This left commanders and soldiers confused, this resulted as well in casualties and loses in war. Because of a controversial change in tactics and weapons, the Romans were virtually useless against these barbaric tribes...

Words: 2526 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Slavery in Ancient Rome

...Slavery in Ancient Rome Rome as far research show had always exploited slaves, however during the early Republic Rome saw its slave population multiply significantly from a series of wars and conquests. This paper will discuss the rights and responsibilities of Roman slaves during the Republican era and early empire. It will also analyze the impact slavery had on Rome’s economic situation as well the impact on roman society and culture. Rome did not always have such an abundance of slaves. It was not until they conquered Corinth and sacked Carthage did they amass a significant amount of slaves. Some authors estimate that the number of slaves reached 300 000-350 000 in a total population of 900 000- 950 000 in Rome during the Augustan era.[1] It is of course impossible to determine the exact amount of slaves during this time, but nevertheless this estimate of slaves is still one third of the population. The Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage mark the beginning of Rome’s “addiction” to slavery. After Rome had consolidated the main land of what is now Italy, this brought them into contact with much greater powers. The first Punic War (264-241 B.C) began when both Rome and Carthage took interest in Sicily.[2] Herodotus notes the significance of this first of many battles by comparing it to the battle of Salamis. He states, “They say too, that the victory of Gelo and Thero in Sicily over Hamilcar the Carthaginians tell out upon the very day that the Hellenes...

Words: 3298 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Roman Republic Despotism

...The Roman Republic had three branches of government like the US government. However, some people say that the government was more like an aristocracy (form of government where the nobles hold the power), while others say it was more like a despotism (a form of government where a ruler has all the power). Lastly, others say it was democratic. The Roman Republic had a dictator at times of war and it lasted 479 years. The Roman Republic was only partly democratic because the majority of the power was the people's, however the Senate was mainly an aristocracy, and the Consul was mainly a despotism. The Roman Republic was only partly democratic since the majority of the power was the people's. The branch that represented the people was the Assemblies....

Words: 491 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Constatine

...centuries to come. His recognition and support of Christianity was one of the most important moments in world history. Moving the government of the Roman Empire to Constantinople and founding New Rome was one of the most significant decisions made by a Roman ruler. This is just one indication of his importance in history and the honor in which he was held by his people. Constantine was born in Naissus, a town in Serbia, on February 27 probably sometime in the 270’s CE. His mother was named Helena who would later become a Christian. Because of her good works, she was made a Christian saint after her death. Constantine’s father was a career military officer named Constantius. Constantine was married at least twice and had four sons Crispus, Constantine II, Constantius, Constans. 

Constantius, his father, was in charge of the Roman Province of Britannia. When Constantius died Constantine, was immediately proclaimed emperor by the army. However, it took many years of political struggle and actual civil war before he could consolidate his power. Constantine finally became the ruler of the Roman Empire in 323 CE. 

 Constantine’s major accomplishments, the most important were his recognition of the Christianity. In 313 CE, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan which allowed full freedom for Christians to practice their faith. The edict made Christianity equal to the religion of the Roman Empire. The Edict of Milan also ordered the return of all church and personal property that had been taken...

Words: 1194 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Roman Empire

...Greek and Roman financiers: from the 4th century BC Banking activities in Greece are more varied and sophisticated than in any previous society. Private entrepreneurs, as well as temples and public bodies, now undertake financial transactions. They take deposits, make loans, change money from one currency to another and test coins for weight and purity. They even engage in book transactions. Moneylenders can be found who will accept payment in one Greek city and arrange for credit in another, avoiding the need for the customer to transport or transfer large numbers of coins. Rome, with its genius for administration, adopts and regularizes the banking practices of Greece. By the 2nd century AD a debt can officially be discharged by paying the appropriate sum into a bank, and public notaries are appointed to register such transactions. The collapse of trade after the fall of the Roman empire makes bankers less necessary than before, and their demise is hastened by the hostility of the Christian church to the charging of interest. Usury comes to seem morally offensive. One anonymous medieval author declares vividly that 'a usurer is a bawd to his own money bags, taking a fee that they may engender together'. Rome The Roman Empire inherited the spirit of capitalism from Greece (Parker).During the time of the Empire, public deposits gradually ceased to be held in temples, and instead were held in private depositories. The earliest recorded evidence showing banking...

Words: 1547 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Greek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government

...Greek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government Joe Wickenden, Sarah Dowling, Ginger Snyder, Leone Hansen HIS/341 October 27, 2014 Joel Getz Greek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government The definition of citizenship in Greek and Roman cultures can be described much differently than the current democratic definition of contemporary nations. The Roman Empire differed from the Athenian Amphictyony and the Assyrian Empire as well as the sunder later emperors such as Vespasian. There were also structural problems within the government of the Roman Empire. This paper will explore the models of government and citizenship that Ancient Roman and Greek peoples employed along with how well they worked. Citizenship in ancient Rome was a privileged legal status granted only to un-slaved individuals with respect to laws, property, and governance (Jahnige, 2002). In the Roman Republic as well as later in the Empire, citizenship could be divided into several categories; a male Roman citizen, Roman women, Client state, Freedmen, and slaves; each having their own freedoms that came with their citizenship. Latin Rights were given by the Romans which was an intermediate between full Roman citizenship and non-citizenship's (2002). In other words, the Latin right was the ticket to obtaining full-fledged Roman citizenship. In the days of the Republic, those holding the Latin right had most of the liberties of citizens except the right to vote. Furthermore, only citizens could...

Words: 1377 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Greek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government

...Greek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government Joe Wickenden, Sarah Dowling, Ginger Snyder, Leone Hansen HIS/341 October 27, 2014 Joel Getz Greek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government The definition of citizenship in Greek and Roman cultures can be described much differently than the current democratic definition of contemporary nations. The Roman Empire differed from the Athenian Amphictyony and the Assyrian Empire as well as the sunder later emperors such as Vespasian. There were also structural problems within the government of the Roman Empire. This paper will explore the models of government and citizenship that Ancient Roman and Greek peoples employed along with how well they worked. Citizenship in ancient Rome was a privileged legal status granted only to un-slaved individuals with respect to laws, property, and governance (Jahnige, 2002). In the Roman Republic as well as later in the Empire, citizenship could be divided into several categories; a male Roman citizen, Roman women, Client state, Freedmen, and slaves; each having their own freedoms that came with their citizenship. Latin Rights were given by the Romans which was an intermediate between full Roman citizenship and non-citizenship's (2002). In other words, the Latin right was the ticket to obtaining full-fledged Roman citizenship. In the days of the Republic, those holding the Latin right had most of the liberties of citizens except the right to vote. Furthermore, only citizens could...

Words: 1377 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

A Synopsis of Roman Civilization

...synopsis on Roman Civilization. Submitted to Md. SafayatHossain Lecturer Department of Accounting & Information Systems Faculty of Business Studies University of Dhaka Group List Name Md. MohimChowdhury Md. Ashraful Islam Mohammad ArifHossain Raihan Ahmed Provat ID No. 16027 16085 16086 16090 Introduction: The modern accounting system which is also called the double entry accounting system was first introduced in Florence in the late thirteenth century. But the predecessors on ancient civilization had also accountancy practices due to the trading. There accounting practices were not based on double entry accounting system. But they had their own numerical systems to count their products. The economic system at that period was not so intricate and complex. Hence, their recording system was also simple, the testimony of which is seen in archaeology. Of the ancient civilizations the Roman civilizations was a prominent one in respect of political, social and economic approach. It was one of the ancient civilizations which were based on commercial trading. The language and the legions were supported by trade while being at the same time part of its backbone. Romans were businessmen and the longevity of their empire was due to their commercial trade.1 Overview of the ancient civilizations: There were many civilizations in the ancient world. The most dominant ones were: a. b. c. a. The Babylonian Civilization. The Egyptian Civilization. The Greek Civilization. The Roman Civilization...

Words: 2736 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Rise and Fall of Roman Empire

...Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire Although the Roman Empire experienced many great accomplishments the decline led to many challenges. There were invasions by Barbarian tribes as well as economic troubles. Due to a final crisis, the empire began to crumble. Rome was being attacked by outside forces causing the constant spending. The empire became very dependent of their slaves to farm the land and work as craftsmen. The Roman empire is believed to have taken about a century until it finally failed in 476 A.D. So many negative contributions led to Rome’s Empire falling. Another cause of the fall of the roman empire involved the over-expansion and military overspending. The empire stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Euphrates River. There was still not enough military to keep outside attackers away. So much money was put into the military that eventually the empire fell into a huge negative financial disparity. With the majority of the money available going into the upkeep of the military many citizens began to lose hope in the empire. The military then transformed and there was no real loyalty to the city of Rome. Christianity is believed to be another reason why the Roman Empire failed. There had been a vast majority of people converting to the Christian faith. Constantine produced The Edict of Milan. This legalized Christianity and allowed religious freedom within the empire. With the rise of Christianity, a large amount of money was put into the development...

Words: 558 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Fall of Rome

...Beginning with the third century B.C. Roman economic policy started to contrast more and more sharply with that in the Hellenistic world, especially Egypt. In Greece and Egypt economic policy had gradually become highly regimented, depriving individuals of the freedom to pursue personal profit in production or trade, crushing them under a heavy burden of oppressive taxation, and forcing workers into vast collectives where they were little better than bees in a great hive. The later Hellenistic period was also one of almost constant warfare, which, together with rampant piracy, closed the seas to trade. The result, predictably, was stagnation. Stagnation bred weakness in the states of the Mediterranean, which partially explains the ease with which Rome was able to steadily expand its reach beginning in the 3rd century B.C. By the first century B.C., Rome was the undisputed master of the Mediterranean. However, peace did not follow Rome’s victory, for civil wars sapped its strength. Rome’s power hungry leaders and government lead to the downfall of their powerful civilization. Following the murder of Caesar in 44 B.C. His adopted son Octavian finally brought an end to internal strife with his defeat of Mark Antony in the battle of Actium in 31 B.C. Octavian’s victory was due in no small part to his championing of Roman economic freedom against the Oriental despotism of Egypt represented by Antony, who had fled to Egypt and married Cleopatra in 36 B.C. As Oertel (1934: 386) put...

Words: 4111 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Slave

...Abstract Summary The roman civilization was arguably one of the greatest and most succesfull empires of all time. It became known as an economic powerhouse at its time due to its political policies, social ideology, and economic institutions. Slavery took place in each Roman’s live, being the master or the slave. At that time, slavery made citizens act in a cruel and inhumane manner to other human beings just because they own them. It began when masters started setting laws for the master/slave relationship. Which of course did not go in slaves favour? Masters use to abuse, murder, torture, treatment inhumane way, prostitution and many more. Slaves had no choice but to accept all these inhumane behaviors or they can always free themselves by paying the master the amount the master purchased them. This was impossible because slaves did not earn money for the tasks they had to perform. In my essay, I will be discussing two opposing views of the relationship that took place between the master and the slave. It will present if slaves really deserved to be treated in this kind of inhumane manner, or maybe they should have been treated as human beings not necessarily as equal to normal citizens. 1. In the source given below, it describes the inhumane treatment slaves suffered from their masters. Vadius pollio, an equestrian and a good friend of the emperor made sure that slaves would face the most inhumane death a person could ever face. Pollio would dash the slave in a pond full...

Words: 690 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Fall of the Roman Empire

...The fall of the Roman Empire | How Christianity played a part in the decline of an Empire | | | | 8/1/2014 | Paper outline 1. Introduction 2. Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire 3. How Christianity played a part in the decline of the Roman Empire 4. The situation after the fall of the Roman Empire 5. The situation in the dark ages 6. Conclusion 7. Bibliography “Why did Rome fall?” still remains one the greatest questions of Western history. Many books have been written about this topic and many theories have been advanced about the reason of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Several reasons are issued for the fall. These reasons are issued to be sequacious and interwoven. For example, one of the most influential modern historians, Edward Gibbon wrote “The Decline and fall of the Roman Empire” in 1776, where he stated that the initiation of Christianity was one of the reasons for the decline. The transition of religions in the Roman Empire, from a polytheistic religion to a monotheistic religion, leads to instability within the Empire. (Gibbon, 1782) How Christianity was a factor in the decline of the Western Roman Empire will be discussed more extensively in this paper. In the beginning, Christianity was not more than an insignificant sect of Judaism and began its spread from Roman Judaea during the life of Jesus, but in only four centuries Christianity had become the state religion of the Roman Empire. The rise...

Words: 1235 - Pages: 5