Religious Symbols on Early Christian Scandinavian Coins (ca. 995–1050): From Imitation to Adaptation
Ildar H. Garipzanov
This article discusses the adaptation of Christian symbols derived from Anglo-Saxon, German, and Byzantine numismatic traditions in early Scandinavian coins produced first half eleventh century. It analyzes a few particular cases such borrowings (the Agnus Dei, triquetra, enthroned Christ) by placing them specific political, religious, cultural contexts that made foreign both expected meaningful society. These case studies imitations demonstrate people involved production were able not only to appropriate prototypes coming abroad but also adapt local contexts. Such thoughtful allowed imagery communicate effectively political religious messages significant for kings their bishops.
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