La circolazione monetale ad Aquileia e nella X Regio alla luce dei contesti stratigrafici: il caso degli assi repubblicani

The aim of this paper is to analyse, through evidences provided by archaeological layers, the circulation of Roman Republican asses in the ancient Venetia et Histria. In the first half of the 2nd cent. BC these issues underwent a long-lasting circulation, which in some cases can be found until the 1st cent. AD. This phenomenon needs to be observed in its principal steps in order to better understand the monetary circulation in the X Regio between Roman Republic and Empire times. The correct dating of the archaeological layers from which these coins come from is another problem that has been discussed. Thanks to data drawn by the most recent excavations carried out, especially in the area of ancient Aquileia, it is possible to observe, for example, that a more intense circulation of Republican asses occurs most probably during the Early Augustan age. In many cases this tendency can be dated a century after their issue, following a pattern in monetary circulation suggested by a demand of small changes just before the Augustan monetary reform. Comparing the results with other areas, situated nearby, the same phenomenon can be observed.