Decoding the strange, symbolic language of Britain's earliest coins
Beyond mere currency, Iron Age coins represent the earliest written records in Britain. This video guides you through the process of deciphering these artifacts, revealing how they capture everything from divine names to ancient artistic innovations.
Curator of Hoards Eleanor Ghey demonstrates how to interpret the complex iconography of Iron Age coinage. These objects are more than just medium of exchange; they contain the names of gods, rulers, and powerful beings that appear nowhere else in the historical record. By studying these pieces, historians can reconstruct ancient social lives, including artistic styles and even the lineage of supposedly fertile individuals.
The video explores the peculiar visual transformations found in British coinage, such as why a horse might be depicted with the head of a wolf. Understanding these 'visual tricks' and the evolution of these 'wonderfully weird' designs provides a unique window into the minds of the Iron Age people.
Source: How to read Iron Age Coins | Curator’s Corner S10 Ep3
