BEZANT Meaning and
Definition
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A bezant is a term used to refer to a medieval gold coin that was widely used in Byzantine and Western European economies. The term derives from the Latin word "bysantius," which means "from Byzantium," the ancient name of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
The bezant was first introduced in the 7th century in the Byzantine Empire. It was crafted from solid gold and had a distinctive round shape, typically measuring around 11-12 millimeters in diameter. The front side of the coin depicted an image of the reigning Byzantine emperor, while the back side showcased the imperial family's coat of arms or other symbolic designs.
Due to its purity and consistent weight, the bezant became known for its reliability and credibility as a means of monetary exchange. The coin's popularity extended beyond the Byzantine Empire and it was widely used in international trade, becoming a key currency in the medieval European economic system.
In Western Europe, the bezant often served as a reference coin, with its weight and purity being used as a standard for evaluating other currencies and as a basis for coinage systems. It influenced the development of many coin designs in the region, including those of Venice, Italy, and the Crusader states.
Overall, the bezant played a significant role in medieval commerce, symbolizing wealth, trade, and economic stability. Today, it stands as a historical relic, a reminder of the prosperous medieval economic networks and cultural exchanges between the East and West.
Common Misspellings for BEZANT
- vezant
- nezant
- hezant
- gezant
- bwzant
- bszant
- bdzant
- brzant
- b4zant
- b3zant
- bexant
- besant
- beaant
- bezznt
- bezsnt
- bezwnt
- bezqnt
- bezabt
- bezamt
- brezant
Etymology of BEZANT
The word "bezant" originated from Late Latin "bēsantes" or "byzantēs", which referred to a gold coin of the Byzantine Empire. This term ultimately came from the Greek word "byzas", which denoted the ancient city of Byzantium (later known as Constantinople and Istanbul). The bezant was a widely recognized and influential currency during the medieval period and was often used in trade and as a form of payment in Europe and the Middle East. Over time, the term "bezant" began to be used more broadly to refer to any gold disk or coin, even outside the context of the Byzantine Empire.
Similar spelling words for BEZANT
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