This is an absolutely fascinating topic... There are few windows through which we can see the connective tissues of time. Ancient Romans, who gazed upon these wonders in their pristine state with their own eyes in their own era, the modern day to them, made these coins, which, in turn, were held to light, turned, and contemplated by other ancient Romans, comparing the likeness to that which they too had seen. And now we too fix our eyes and turn them, seeing through their eyes, the artist and the holder alike, a thousand plus years later, in an era unimaginable to them. They could not see the ruins that we have seen as we contemplate the image, and we can not see the unblemished real life subjects that these are based on, made by those who could. But, for a short time, our eyes meet, the past, the present, and the future, fixed on the same moment in time, and perhaps on each other. Time itself, pinched between a thumb and a finger
Delightful taste of the depiction of Roman buildings and construction projects on its coins -- reminiscent of a college thesis I did on this subject over half a century ago. Wish I'd had the Internet resources of today at my disposal back then! Would love to see more on this topic; but am delighted with whatever you post. Thanks.
Very interesting! I have 2 questions: 1-you mentioned that women sat at the very top seating tier. Was that all women? Did the wives of senators and/or of equites sit at the top with the hoi polloi? And, 2-Nero looks like he got progressively fatter on his coins. Do any of the ancient sources mention his weight gain? Or chide him for it?
Senators' wives sat with them in the first tier (the "podium"), but all other women were relegated to the nosebleed seats. Presumably, most women didn't even bother to attend. As for Nero - Suetonius describes him as portly, but only statues and coins reflect (or seem to reflect) the actual changes in his appearance.
Another coin worth mentioning depicts the Temple at Amesa housing a baetylus or sacred stone. These stones were thought to be endowed with special properties and a connection to specific deities. Some of the many stones recorded by ancient authors were said to have been meteorites. You could dedicate an entire channel to the cults of the Greco-Roman world and never run out of interesting facts. The cult of Cybele utilized the baetylus, while the cult of Sabazuis employed the Hand of Sabazuis, later referred to as the Mano Pantea or pantheistic hand. You could have a channel about their technology to not only educate and astound, but put a rational perspective on the subject. There are far too many sensationalist videos and articles that sadly get the lion's share of attention.
All excellent suggestions! As it happens, I had hoped to include a coin of Elagabalus in this video, but it was sold before I had a chance to visit HJB.
3:02 It is quite ironic and poetic that, of all the seven wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramid of Giza, despite being the oldest by far, is the only one still standing.
There's not much that can happen to a big, pointy pile of stone. At the very worse, it becomes a slightly smaller, flatter pile of stone. But when it's so big and so pointy, that takes a very long time to happen. Especially in a dry desert.
The sarcophagus one was originally destined for the "Scenic Routes" channel, but I was forced to post it on toldinstone by a sponsor dissatisfied with the performance of an earlier video.
@@toldinstonefootnotes That explains the change in style. Hopefully you'll soon be rolling in best selling book money and won't have to deal with such philistines!
Stunning pieces. I will admit, your video on cleaning coins has cost me more money than any other RUclips video and I regret nothing.
Garrett these coins are gorgeous
Super interesting video. I really enjoy Roman coins and their stories. Please do more on this subject. Thank you! Regards from Canada 🇨🇦
Yes, I agree.
This is an absolutely fascinating topic... There are few windows through which we can see the connective tissues of time. Ancient Romans, who gazed upon these wonders in their pristine state with their own eyes in their own era, the modern day to them, made these coins, which, in turn, were held to light, turned, and contemplated by other ancient Romans, comparing the likeness to that which they too had seen. And now we too fix our eyes and turn them, seeing through their eyes, the artist and the holder alike, a thousand plus years later, in an era unimaginable to them. They could not see the ruins that we have seen as we contemplate the image, and we can not see the unblemished real life subjects that these are based on, made by those who could. But, for a short time, our eyes meet, the past, the present, and the future, fixed on the same moment in time, and perhaps on each other. Time itself, pinched between a thumb and a finger
Such a cool video Garrett! The physical remnants of Rome are what makes it so fascinating!
Fascinating thank you!
Quality
Two of my favorite youtube people in the same video :) Thank you!!!
Delightful taste of the depiction of Roman buildings and construction projects on its coins -- reminiscent of a college thesis I did on this subject over half a century ago. Wish I'd had the Internet resources of today at my disposal back then! Would love to see more on this topic; but am delighted with whatever you post. Thanks.
If I "enjoyed this content"?!? Garrett, I could only dream of having taken one of your classes in person!
Great video! I collect ancient coins myself and love Aaron's podcast too. Btw I can't find your video on the port of ostia :(
My apologies! The video on the port of Ostia will be posted shortly
Very interesting! I have 2 questions: 1-you mentioned that women sat at the very top seating tier. Was that all women? Did the wives of senators and/or of equites sit at the top with the hoi polloi? And, 2-Nero looks like he got progressively fatter on his coins. Do any of the ancient sources mention his weight gain? Or chide him for it?
Senators' wives sat with them in the first tier (the "podium"), but all other women were relegated to the nosebleed seats. Presumably, most women didn't even bother to attend. As for Nero - Suetonius describes him as portly, but only statues and coins reflect (or seem to reflect) the actual changes in his appearance.
wow! the coin pictured with the portus of claudius must almost be in as good as new condition. one of the most beautiful revers I can think of
Another coin worth mentioning depicts the Temple at Amesa housing a baetylus or sacred stone. These stones were thought to be endowed with special properties and a connection to specific deities. Some of the many stones recorded by ancient authors were said to have been meteorites. You could dedicate an entire channel to the cults of the Greco-Roman world and never run out of interesting facts. The cult of Cybele utilized the baetylus, while the cult of Sabazuis employed the Hand of Sabazuis, later referred to as the Mano Pantea or pantheistic hand. You could have a channel about their technology to not only educate and astound, but put a rational perspective on the subject. There are far too many sensationalist videos and articles that sadly get the lion's share of attention.
All excellent suggestions! As it happens, I had hoped to include a coin of Elagabalus in this video, but it was sold before I had a chance to visit HJB.
3:02 It is quite ironic and poetic that, of all the seven wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramid of Giza, despite being the oldest by far, is the only one still standing.
There's not much that can happen to a big, pointy pile of stone. At the very worse, it becomes a slightly smaller, flatter pile of stone. But when it's so big and so pointy, that takes a very long time to happen. Especially in a dry desert.
Showing the dates of so called coins is of the utmost importance.
Even though they had the worst seats it's interesting that slaves were invited to watch the games in the Colosseum at all.
It feels like this video and the one on the Egyptian sarcophagus were swapped around and posted on the wrong channels?
The sarcophagus one was originally destined for the "Scenic Routes" channel, but I was forced to post it on toldinstone by a sponsor dissatisfied with the performance of an earlier video.
@@toldinstonefootnotes That explains the change in style. Hopefully you'll soon be rolling in best selling book money and won't have to deal with such philistines!
How do we know what it actually represents? Do we have records that describe the coins?
There is One with Image of Petra treasury I believe
Oh? I've never seen that (and a quick search didn't bring anything up). Do you maybe have a link?
Did emperors want the populace to have a feeling for where their tax money was being spent? A very tactile message.
You kinda look like Buğra Kavuncu
A dark colored Roman coin in Chicage? Better make sure you're not holding a Blackened Denarii!
pքɾօʍօʂʍ 🤔
how are b abys made