Denarii beyond the Empire

Political and Cultural Perspectives on Roman Silver Coins in Barbaricum

Hunter, Fraser (ed.)
Dymowski, Arkadiusz (ed.)
Dzierzbicka, Dorota (ed.)

This volume explores the remarkable history of the Roman denarius, a coin that dominated the ancient world for over four centuries, as seen from outside the frontiers of the Empire — from Scotland to India, and from Ukraine to Sweden. Introduced in the Roman Republic around 211 BCE, the denarius retained its form and function well into the third century CE, even as its silver content declined. While its official use then faded within the Empire, the coin continued to circulate and thrive in barbaricum, outside the Roman limes. Drawing on archaeological discoveries and numismatic analysis, the book examines how the denarius migrated beyond the Roman frontier, influenced local economies, and became embedded in cultural memory. A central focus is the coin’s enduring presence in Northern and Eastern Europe, where thousands have been found. This volume offers fresh perspectives on Roman monetary history and relations across the frontier, showcasing the power of denarii to migrate, to influence, and to transform.