Third-Century Coins from
The Roman and Gallic Empires
Economic and Artistic Factors in
The Oliver's Orchard Hoard
Introduction
During the Third-Century C.E., the Roman Empire was mired in a military, political, and economic crisis. Continual invasions and wars, a rapid succession of military emperors, and inflation plagued the empire. Between 260 and 274 C.E., a separate empire, the Gallic Empire, was established in the western Roman provinces of Spain, Gaul, and Britain. There is some debate as to the historical meaning of the Gallic Empire. Some claim it was a political power-grab by the general Postumus, while others claim it was a response to the Empire's economic crisis.
The Oliver's Orchard Hoards are three separate, but associated hoards of coins found in Colchester, Britain. The coins are predominantly from the Gallic Empire, but some are of Roman origin. In this investigation I study the temporal, material, and stylistic trends of the hoards, and connect them up to larger social and economic trends in the Gallic and Roman Empires.
| Contents |
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A Short History of the Gallic Empire Oliver's Orchard Hoard Overview Roman and Gallic Coins as Propaganda Conclusions and Bibliography |
The Bayly Museum's Gallic and Roman Coins
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Created by Michael Freedman-Schnapp
A project for ARTH 491: Roman Art
University of Virginia;
Charlottesville, Virginia.
Last updated April 25, 2001.