Project description
Tracing Rome’s hidden supply chains
For centuries, the origin of metals used in Roman provincial coinage (especially in Hispania) has remained a mystery. Where did the lead and bronze come from? How were they distributed? Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ECO project will analyse the isotopic fingerprint of lead in ancient coins, as researchers are tracing metal sources and supply chains across the Roman Empire. ECO combines cutting-edge MC-ICP-MS analysis with epigraphic and archaeological evidence to map out Hispania’s role in Roman economic history. This multidisciplinary approach not only deepens our understanding of ancient metallurgy but also highlights the vital role of mining regions like Cartagena-La Unión and Linares-La Carolina (once the Empire’s silver heartlands) in sustaining Roman prosperity.
Objective
The analysis of lead isotopes in Roman coins has gained significant popularity in recent years. Several ERC-funded projects provide clear evidence of the scientific interest in ancient coins and their isotopic results. Today, lead isotope analysis is the most effective method for establishing the geographical origin of lead present in ancient metals or coins. The project “Echoes of Rome: Deciphering Hispania’s Coinage Origins with Lead Isotope Analysis” is based on this multidisciplinary approach. Despite these advancements, the supply of metals to Roman provincial cities for minting bronze coins remains a mystery, and a holistic view has yet to be addressed. Through the ECO project, I will analyze the provincial bronze coinage of Hispania. Additionally, the lead isotopic results obtained by MC-ICP-MS will be compared. This comparison will provide a solid foundation for future research. The progress achieved in terms of origin, supply, and distribution will be highly regarded by scholars. Furthermore, the combined use of epigraphic and archaeological sources, along with new data provided by isotopic analysis, will enhance our understanding of the economic history of the Roman Empire, particularly Hispania, one of the most prosperous and significant regions of the Mediterranean. Finally, the archaeological and mining context of Hispania and its development are of paramount importance to the Roman Empire. The mining areas of Cartagena-La Unión and Linares-La Carolina were, for decades, Rome’s main source of silver.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- humanities history and archaeology history
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
29016 MALAGA
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.