Epigraphy is a discipline encompassing both visual and material elements, within a historical textual framework. The module is designed to develop students' skills and methodological awareness in incorporating inscriptions into their research. The module studies inscriptions within their monumental contexts, exploring the contribution made by their visual appearance to their meanings as texts. This involves an appreciation of particular methodological problems presented by what is often fragmentary evidence, and encourages close attention to detailed examination of specific inscribed monuments. It also considers the wider issue of the nature of ancient epigraphic cultures.

Numismatics is the study of systems of coinage. The module covers the coinages of Greece and Rome from the end of the seventh century BC to the seventh century AD. The module looks at the various ways that coinage can be used in the study of the ancient world, as a source for history, art history, archaeology and ancient economics.

The aim of this module is to train students both how coinage may be used as an element in studying the material culture of the ancient world and how to investigate coins as historical entities in their own right.

Outline and Aims

This is an optional module for the Taught MA in Ancient and Visual Material Culture, Taught MA in the Visual and Material Culture of Rome / Ancient Greece. The aim of the module is to introduce students to the main developments in the coinage of the ancient world, from its Anatolian beginnings in the 7th century BC to the late Roman period and beyond. The basics of the main topics are covered by the UG module, which PGs are welcome to attend. The PG classes analyse these areas more in-depth. The module is designed to introduce students to major issues in the study of ancient coins, and to key methodologies and approaches. It will help to develop students’ intellectual skills in the following areas:

·        Ability to select and respond to particular methodological approaches when dealing with coins

·        Appreciation of methodological issues in dealing with coins

·        Understanding of the ways in which coins have been studied since antiquity

·        Ability to present structured chain of argument drawing together evidence into a cohesive whole

·        Ability to select and apply appropriate problem-solving methodologies

·        Build up your own net-work on the scholarly world

·        Ability to document coins in a collection and on an excavation

·        Ability to conduct independent research and analysis

·        Develop transferable skills such as written and oral communication, IT-skills