CONTORNIATE Meaning and
Definition
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Contorniate is a term used to describe a type of ancient Roman medallion or coin. Derived from the Latin word "contorno" meaning "to outline," contorniates were typically bronze medallions that featured embossed designs on one or both sides. They were primarily produced from the 4th to the 6th centuries AD, during the late Roman Empire.
Contorniates were often issued to commemorate important events, such as imperial triumphs, military victories, or the inauguration of public buildings. These medallions were typically larger and thicker than regular circulated coins, highlighting their commemorative nature. Some contorniates also featured portraits of emperors, their families, or other important individuals.
The manufacturing process for contorniates involved carefully engraving the desired image or design onto a metal die. The die was then used to create multiple copies of the medallion by striking it onto a blank piece of bronze or other base metal. These medallions often came with a loop or attachment, allowing them to be worn or hung as pendants or badges.
Contorniates played a significant role in Roman society as they served both commemorative and economic purposes. While they were primarily used for ceremonial and decorative purposes, they could also be exchanged as currency or given as rewards. Today, contorniates are highly sought after by collectors and historians as important artifacts that provide insights into Roman history, politics, and artistry.
Common Misspellings for CONTORNIATE
- xontorniate
- vontorniate
- fontorniate
- dontorniate
- cintorniate
- ckntorniate
- clntorniate
- cpntorniate
- c0ntorniate
- c9ntorniate
- cobtorniate
- comtorniate
- cojtorniate
- cohtorniate
- conrorniate
- conforniate
- congorniate
- conyorniate
- con6orniate
- con5orniate
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