Research Project

Silver economy in the Merovingian Realms

Summary

Silver played no role in the coinage of the Merovingian kingdoms – virtually all of it was minted in gold. Nevertheless, silver was in circulation in large quantities, serving above all the self-expression of local elites. This project investigates what conclusions can be drawn from the use of these two precious metals allow with regard to the economy of these successor realms to the Roman Empire. This research is carried out in conjunction with the project “Silver, Status, and Society” at the Scottish National Museum in Edinburgh.

In the course of the project, the origin and use of silver will be investigated. In addition to material analyses, standardised weights will be examined and compared in a European context. The aim is to investigate the silver economy in a large successor kingdom to the Roman Empire.

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Contact

Apl. Prof. Dr. Dieter Quast
+49 6131 8885-133
Kontakt

Project Period

02.2019 - 12.2022
Finished

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