Coins as proxy for urban development

Rethinking Augusta Vindelicum via digital geonumismatics

Bibliographic Data

ID7514224
AuthorsCinzia Bettineschi (0000-0001-5322-4815, University of Augsburg, corresponding author), Armando De Guio (corresponding author), Stefan Reuter (0000-0001-6345-6206, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences), Sebastian Gairho, Sebastian Gairhos (Augsburg University), Natascha Sojc (University of Augsburg)
Year2026
Volume40
Pagese00523
Publication date2026-03-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDigital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2212-0548
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.daach.2026.e00523
OpenAlexW7132845709
LanguageEN
References cited21

Coins constitute an exceptional source of archaeological, chronological, and historical information. In this paper, we explore the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for analyzing a selection of over 4,000 Roman coins unearthed within the city of Augsburg (Germany). By integrating the numismatic database built by the local Stadtarchäologie in the existing AugustaGIS developed in cooperation with the University of Augsburg, we were able to visualize the density and distribution of the coins, offering new hints to interpret the urban development of the city. In particular, we present two case studies to showcase the relevance of the approach, the first related to the formative phase of the settlement in early Imperial times, and the second devoted to better understanding the extension of the city during the Late Roman period (4th to early 5th century AD). • GIS analysis of 4000+ Roman coins from Augsburg reveals urban development patterns; • Early Imperial coin density suggests key insights into Augusta Vindelicum’s formation; • Late Roman coin patterns show delayed urban contraction in late 4th-5th century AD; • Digital geonumismatics provides substantial tools for urban and historical analysis

Formative assessment · Geographic information system · Period (music · Proxy (statistics · Settlement (finance · Urban history · Urban planning · Urban space · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Currency Recognition and Detection · Image Processing and 3D Reconstruction

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access