Tulane Classics AIA Lecture ~ Ken Harl

The Archaeological Institute of America New Orleans Society and the Department of Classical Studies at Tulane University present “From Metal to Money: How to Operate a Civic Mint in the Roman Empire” by Kenneth W. Harl, Professor Emeritus (Department of History, Tulane University).

Date ~ Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Time ~ 5pm

Location ~ Jones Hall 108

Based on analysis of the coins themselves, Professor Harl reconstructs how Greek cities in the Roman Empire manufactured and distributed bronzes coins. Not only do the coins reveal the stages of production by workers and the engraving of dies by artists, but they also offer a means of calculating the output of money. The scale of production and organization of labor are both far more impressive than hitherto realized. The coins struck by mint of Marcianopolis (today Devnya, Bulgaria) in the reign of the Emperor Macrinus (217-218) offer the test case for explaining how metal was turned into money.

This in-person, non-ticketed lecture is free and open to the general public.  There will be no zoom component.  Tulane University is committed to providing universal access to all our events on site. Please contact Elizabeth M Reyna at 504-865-5719 / ereyna@tulane.edu at least two weeks in advance of the event if you have accessibility needs and need a disability-related accommodation to participate. Please note that advance notice is necessary to arrange some accessibility needs.