Roman coin. As. Reverse. 1st century BC. Decoration: Merida
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Roman coin. As. Reverse. 1st century BC. Decoration: Merida
Roman coin. As. Reverse. 1st century BC. Decoration: Merida foundation. Oxen guided by a priest. Merida (Augusta Emerita). National Museum of Roman Art. Merida
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Antique Augusta Bronze Civilization Coin Coinage Coining Economy Emerita Extremadura Foundation Founder Founding Guided Iberian Merida Mint Minting Money Oxen Peninsula Priest Ritual Romans
A Religious Ritual of Foundation - Merida's As Reverse Coin from the 1st Century BC, National Museum of Roman Art, Merida, Spain
EDITORS COMMENTS
This ancient Roman coin, dating back to the 1st century BC, is a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of Merida, the ancient Roman city in Extremadura, Spain. The obverse side of the coin features the head of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman Emperor, symbolizing the imperial era's political power. However, the reverse side, depicted in this image, reveals a fascinating glimpse into the religious and founding rituals of the Roman civilization. The reverse side of the coin showcases an intriguing scene of oxen being guided by a priest. This decoration is believed to represent the foundation myth of Merida, then known as Augusta Emerita. According to legend, the city was founded by the Roman consul Lucius Cornelius Scipio in 25 BC, and the oxen were said to have led him to the site where the city was eventually built. The coin's discovery is a reminder of the economic importance of Merida during the Roman era. As a significant Roman colony and a vital trading hub in the Iberian Peninsula, the city's mint produced coins like this one, contributing to the Roman Empire's monetary system. The coin's intricate design and historical significance make it an essential addition to any collection of ancient Roman art and a valuable piece of European antiquity. Visitors to the National Museum of Roman Art in Merida can marvel at this and other ancient Roman artifacts, gaining a deeper understanding of the city's rich past and the Roman civilization's enduring influence on European history.
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