Echoes of Rome: Deciphering Hispania’s Coinage Origins with Lead Isotope Analysis

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.