Creating and Contesting Monetary Spaces in the Ancient Mediterranean By Peter van Alfen

https://www.academia.edu/7349130/Creating_and_Contesting_Monetary_Spaces_in_the_Ancient_Mediterranean?nav_from=b9cc2d1e-53fc-4377-94a1-d7faa5abcd43 This study examines the intricate relationship between money and geographical space in the context of ancient Mediterranean economies, emphasizing the roles of various state actors throughout history in establishing closed monetary systems that reflect and reinforce political power. It traces the evolution of coinage from the Lydians to the Byzantine Empire, illustrating how these systems aimed to control economic resources and circulation, ultimately influencing the broader monetary dynamics of the region. The work also contemplates contemporary implications, including the reality of currency substitution and the importance of individual choice in shaping monetary preferences. ...