{"id":9282,"date":"2023-11-06T06:40:11","date_gmt":"2023-11-06T05:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9282"},"modified":"2023-11-06T06:40:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T05:40:11","slug":"what-was-the-currency-of-ancient-rome-called","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/what-was-the-currency-of-ancient-rome-called\/","title":{"rendered":"What Was The Currency Of Ancient Rome Called"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Overview<\/h2>\n

The currency of ancient Rome has an interesting and complex history. From its inception to its demise – and its eventual return – Roman currency was in continuous flux. While it changed in its form and appearance, the same basic commodities formed the basis for its entire monetary system. This article will explore what exactly the currency of ancient Rome was, its motivations and its implications.<\/p>\n

Origins<\/h2>\n

Rome had many different monetary systems throughout its more than thousand-year reign. At the beginning of the empire, Roman currency was mainly constructed from coins made from bronze and silver. This currency was called the denarius, and it was standard throughout the Republic and the empire for many hundreds of years. This denarius was the main source of currency used by Roman citizens to purchase goods and services.
\nIn addition to the denarius, other coins issued by the Roman state were also used in the empire. These were either smaller denominations of the denarius — such as the quadrantes — or larger ones, such as the sestertius. The various coins of the Roman empire were all accepted in the same way and held the same value, regardless of the size of the coin.<\/p>\n

Motivations Behind the Roman Currency<\/h2>\n

The Roman Empire was on a continuous expansionist trajectory, and Rome’s currency was reflective of this. As the boundaries of the empire expanded, so did the number of coins and denominations associated with the currency. This was due in part to the growing availability of resources and the need for new coins to represent the growing wealth of the Roman Empire.
\nAdditionally, Roman currency was used as a tool for increasing political influence. During the early empire, Roman coins were often adorned with the images of political leaders, along with the names and titles of these leaders. This served to increase the emperor’s visibility and to solidify the image of their power.
\nRoman currency was also used to fund military campaigns and pay soldiers, as well as to buy resources and to construct public works. This was essential for Rome’s military might as well as its continuing popularity with its citizens.<\/p>\n

The Economic Impact of Roman Currency<\/h2>\n

Roman currency had far-reaching economic implications. During its height, the Roman economy was one of the most advanced of its time, and the currency was a major factor in Rome’s success.
\nThe Roman currency served as a medium of exchange and provided stability to the economy. This in turn stimulated trade and commerce, which was driven by the coinage. As the empire grew, so did the economic opportunities and the number of tradesmen and merchants.
\nThe coins also provided a common form of currency, allowing merchants and tradesmen to buy and sell goods and services at set prices. This ensured a degree of uniformity and fairness within the Roman economy.<\/p>\n

The Decline of the Roman Currency<\/h2>\n