Cultural Heritage and Modern Technologies (Jan 2024)
The symbol of the crescent Moon with a star on Ancient and Medieval coins
Abstract
The individual phases of the moon show us this nocturnal satellite subjected to the laws of a cycle of dying and rising. In ancient times different peoples honoured the moon and the stars and felt connected to them in some way. These two symbols are present in various ways on ancient coins such as Greek, Roman or even Celtic ones. The representation of these symbols on ancient coins is sometimes different and has different meanings. The symbol of the crescent moon with the star was revived again in the Middle Ages and was depicted in different ways on many European coins, especially in the 13th century AD. The depiction of the crescent moon with the star on these coins has a new meaning that relates to Christian symbolism. This article presents the history of this symbol, its meaning in antiquity and in the Middle Ages and its possible connection with astronomical events. In particular we analyzed a Trieste’s medieval coin minted in the second half of the 13th century by the bishop of the city of Trieste Arlongus, on which the symbol of the crescent moon with a six-pointed star is clearly visible.
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