Tremissis definitions
| Word backwards | sissimert |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | trem-is-sis |
| Plural | The plural of the word "tremissis" is "tremisses." |
| Total letters | 9 |
| Vogais (2) | e,i |
| Consonants (4) | t,r,m,s |
Tremissis: A Brief Overview
A tremissis (plural: tremisses) is a small, thin gold coin that was used in the late Roman Empire and the early medieval period. Weighing around 1.5 grams, the tremissis was introduced during the reign of Emperor Constantine I in the early 4th century AD.
History and Significance
The term "tremissis" is derived from the Latin word "tremissum," which means one-third. This reflects the fact that the tremissis was originally valued at one-third of a solidus, the standard gold coin of the Roman Empire. Over time, the tremissis became a common denomination used for trade and payments in the western Roman Empire.
Design and Inscriptions
Most tremisses feature the image of the reigning emperor on the obverse side, often wearing a crown or helmet. The reverse side typically includes Christian symbols, such as a cross or chi-rho monogram. Some tremisses also bear inscriptions in Latin or Greek, identifying the emperor and the mint where the coin was produced.
Decline and Disappearance
By the 7th century AD, the use of the tremissis had declined significantly, as the political and economic landscape of Europe underwent drastic changes. The rise of new kingdoms and the debasement of the coinage led to the gradual disappearance of the tremissis as a circulating currency.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, tremisses are highly sought after by collectors and numismatists for their historical significance and artistic value. While they may no longer serve as legal tender, these small gold coins offer a glimpse into the economic and cultural history of the late Roman Empire and the early Middle Ages.
Tremissis Examples
- The ancient coin was worth a single tremissis.
- He found a tremissis while metal detecting in the field.
- The museum displayed a collection of tremissis coins.
- She purchased a rare tremissis from an online auction.
- The tremissis was minted in gold during the Byzantine Empire.
- Numismatists specialize in collecting tremissis and other ancient coins.
- The tremissis dated back to the 6th century AD.
- A tremissis was used as a form of currency in the Middle Ages.
- The tremissis depicted the image of Emperor Justinian I.
- The tremissis featured intricate designs on both sides.