Blood Money: Family and Dynasty on Roman Coins
Course content
When did you last see a mother and her two sons depicted on a coin?
In modern coinage, family images are rare – at best, special collector’s items show for example the British royal family, Melania Trump, or the three Dutch princesses, presented as “the future of the House of Orange”. In Roman times, however, such depictions appeared regularly on coins that circulated widely throughout the Empire. More generally, family ties played an important role in Roman society from the Republic to the Empire. How can we use coins to contribute to current debates on families and dynasties in the Republican and Imperial periods?
This ten-day course focuses on Roman coins as historical sources. We will trace the role of families in the production of early Roman coins and discuss different ways in which family was propagated on coinage. In doing so, topics will range from ancestral themes in the Republic to representations of the domus Augusta in imperial times. Which family connections and histories are shown on coins and why? How do messages on coins relate to images of families and their members communicated by places and monuments in the city of Rome itself? And how do changes in coin production, authority and society from Republic to Empire affect the role of family representation? By discussing questions such as these you will learn how coins can offer new insights into Roman history in general and the history of the city of Rome in particular.
The course combines theoretical sessions with practical workshops. Students will gain basic numismatic skills and will be challenged to decipher and interpret the information conveyed by these exceptional primary sources, on which text and images are combined. Throughout the course, the students will create a digital city tour that informs visitors about the importance of families in the city of Rome, showcasing the value of numismatic material as a historical source.
Coordinator KNIR
Dr. Rens Tacoma
Teaching staff
Dr. Paul Beliën (De Nederlandsche Bank), Dr. Liesbeth Claes (Leiden University, Dr. Erika Manders (Radboud University), Dr. Marleen Termeer (Radboud University)
Language
English
Target group and admission
The course is open to a maximum of 17 MA, RMA, PhD students in History, Archaeology, Art History, Classics and Heritage Studies from KNIR partner universities (University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Leiden University, Utrecht University, Radboud University, University of Groningen).
Credits
The study load is the equivalent of 5 ECTS (140 hours) or 6 ECTS (168 hours). Each student should arrange with their university coordinator whether the course can be a part of their existing curriculum. After successful completion of the course, the KNIR provides a certificate mentioning study load and grade.
Costs
Participants will receive free tuition and excursions (including most entry fees for museums and archaeological sites). If you are enrolled in one of our partner universities, travel expenses to and from Rome will be reimbursed up to € 100,- (or € 125,- in case you travel by train) upon a successful completion of this course. Meals and personal expenses are not included.
Facilities in Rome
All participants will be housed at the Royal Netherlands Institute near Rome’s Villa Borghese Park. From there, it is only a short walk to the historical center of Rome. The KNIR accommodation consists of shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and includes a living and dining space, a large kitchen, washing machine and wireless internet. All residents have 24/7 access to the library and gardens of the Royal Netherlands Institute.
Application and admission
The selection of participants is based on grades, the added value of the course in the student’s curriculum, a letter of motivation, and the composition of the group. Students can apply via the link on the course overview page and include in your application:
· a letter of motivation (max. 1 A4)
· a cv
· a recent list of courses followed and grades provided by your university
At KNIR we believe diversity enriches debate: different perspectives contribute to the quality of our work. We therefore value and highly encourage applications from students with diverse backgrounds and identities.
Deadline for applications
15 February 2027. You will be notified about the outcome within two weeks after the deadline. Please note that the decision of the selection committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
More info
E-mail: secretary knir.it
Phone: (+39)063269621