Description

• Roman York, known as Eboracum, was an important city and fortress in Roman Britain. It was founded in 71 AD by the Romans under Emperor Vespasian as a military stronghold and administrative center. Situated strategically at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss, York served as a major logistical and commercial centre and later became the headquarters of the Legio IX Hispana, a Roman legion. It served as the base for several Roman emperors, including Septimius Severus and Constantius Chlorus. Roman emperors would often visit York to oversee military campaigns or establish their presence in the region. After Roman departure York continued its position of prominence: Anglo-Saxon York was part of the Kingdom of Northumbria, one of the major Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in early medieval England, including a large territory in the northern parts of present-day England and southeastern Scotland. York, known as Eoforwic during the Anglo-Saxon period, it served as an important political, economic, and religious center within the kingdom. It was the capital of the Northumbrian kings and played a crucial role in the kingdom's administration and defense. York had a rich history, with notable events such as the conversion to Christianity by King Edwin in the 7th century and the establishment of the Archbishopric of York in the 8th century. York, also known as Jorvik, had a tumultuous history during the Viking Age. The Vikings first attacked York in 866 AD and eventually conquered and established their own settlement within the city. This Viking settlement, known as Jorvik, became a major trading and political center in the region. Under Viking rule, York thrived as a bustling trading hub, attracting merchants from across Europe. The city's economy flourished, with craftsmen producing high-quality goods and the presence of a vibrant marketplace. Jorvik was a multicultural and cosmopolitan city, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its inhabitants. Viking rule of the city and region came to an end with the Norman invasions.
• Anglo-Saxon coins were first minted in the late 5th or early 6th century AD. They were made of gold, silver, or copper, and often featured a design of a cross on the obverse and a portrait of the king on the reverse. The first Anglo-Saxon king to issue coins was Aethelberht of Kent, who ruled from 550-616 or Eadbald of Kent who ruled c. AD625. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, Anglo-Saxon coinage was replaced by that of the new rulers, much closer to the designs on the European continent. Typical names for Anglo Saxon coinage include gold "Schillings", "Thrymsas" and later silver "Sceattas" and "Pennings" which had more in common with the Viking north, and lastly copper or copper alloy "Stycas".