Early Medieval Trade Routes
THE techniques and methodology of numismatics as an ancillary science were developed through the study ancient world. The application to medieval world is much more recent origin. This, course, not say that some great medievalists such Henri Pirenne art historians stature Andre Grabar have utilized numismatic data in their own researches. By large, however, scholars Middle Ages neglected vast mine material available them form thousands monetiform objects which resisted onslaught time. Perhaps a single limited problem new synthesis reached can serve demonstrate utility research. we shall attack had its origins simple oddity escaped mention by most numismatists virtually all historians. Its solution appears vital implications ramifications for interpretation history early Ages. Historians been struck longevity Byzantine solidus from time Constantine siege Constantinople Turks persistence Byzantines maintaining coin at given weight fineness entire There are, three generally ignored series solidi issued sixth seventh centuries deviated this legal standard, though both expressly stipulated Theodosian Justinian recensions Roman law. This variation norm case coins obviously marked indicate excessive lightness lesser degree cannot be result anything but manifestation imperial policy was deliberately carried out. Coinage gold jealously guarded prerogative emperor, know statements Ammianus Marcellinus, Procopius, Zonaras, other late authors well numerous laws regarding
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