The Hellenistic World
Using Coins as Sources

An accessible, vivid and up-to-date student-level introduction to the coinage and history of the Hellenistic world (323–31 BC).

Peter Thonemann (Author)

9781107451759, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 January 2016

260 pages, 256 b/w illus. 5 maps
21.5 x 13.8 x 1.2 cm, 0.36 kg

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Economics [KC], Industrial archaeology [HDT], Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], History: earliest times to present day [HBL]