Aureus facts for kids
The aureus (say: OR-ee-us) was a special gold coin used in ancient Rome. It was a very valuable coin! One aureus was worth the same as 25 silver coins called denarii. Imagine having 25 silver coins in one gold coin!
An aureus coin was about the same size as a denarius. But it weighed more because gold is a heavier metal than silver. This is due to gold being more dense, meaning more material is packed into the same space.
The Romans started using the aureus coin around 100 BC. They stopped using it in the 300s AD. Another gold coin called the solidus took its place.
Contents
What Was the Aureus?
The aureus was one of the most important coins in the Roman Empire. It was made from pure gold. This made it very valuable for trading and for showing off wealth.
Why Gold Coins Were Important
Gold coins like the aureus were used for big payments. They were also used for international trade. This meant buying and selling goods with other countries. Emperors also used these coins to pay their soldiers. They also used them to fund large building projects.
Having gold coins helped the Roman economy stay strong. It showed the power and wealth of the Roman Empire.
History of the Aureus
The first aureus coins appeared around 100 BC. This was during the time of the Roman Republic. Famous Roman leaders like Julius Caesar and Augustus made many of these coins. They often put their own faces on the coins. This helped to spread their image and power across the empire.
Over time, the weight and purity of the aureus sometimes changed. This depended on the emperor who was ruling. By the 4th century AD, the Roman Empire faced many challenges. A new gold coin, the solidus, was introduced. It was lighter and became the main gold coin. This marked the end of the aureus.
Images for kids
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Aureus of Octavian, around 30 BC.
See also
In Spanish: Áureo (moneda) para niños
