Coins and their use in the Punic Mediterranean : case studies from Carthage to Italy from the fourth to the first century bce

Abstract

‘Identifying the Punic Mediterranean’ is not a simple task. It becomes even more complex when investigating how concepts of identity might have been understood in antiquity. Coins, however, provide a useful starting point, as one of many elements expressing the character of a culture. They provide information on the weights and measures used, and on technical and artistic skills. Legends and images reflect ways of thought and, more particularly, of transmitting messages.