by:
Hornyak, William F.

Publisher:
William F. Hornyak
Published:January 1998
ISBN:1575028239
Format:Paperback
Pages:168

Description: From the Back Cover
Portraits are presented for over 150 Roman emperors and prominent historical figures in the period from 60 B.C. to A.D. 425. These portraits are based on coins and medallions of the highest quality. Photographs of suitable specimens are digitally reproduced using a high resolution electronic scanner. Electronic editing allows for rendering images that when properly manipulated result in "average" portraits for each individual at a particular age in life. The final version of the portraits, as they appear in this book, are finished in artistic drawings that are tightly monitored to ensure accuracy in conforming to the averages obtained.

Each imperatorial figure is identified in a brief biography. These biographic sketches are only intended to place the individuals in a historical context and to give some insight to their personalities.

In selecting the specimens to consider for adoption in the present endeavor the author's point of view is critical. The author has been a participant in archaeological excavations as staff numismatist for the Joint Expedition to Caesarea Maritime in Israel. He was the cofounder of the Center for Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Maryland and later the director of the University's Archaeometric Laboratory. In pursuing the project that has led to this book he had ready access to the Princeton University coin cabinets while on the faculty there and gained visitor access to the British Museum medallion collection, to add to his own experiences as an avid coin collector.

These involvements help train the eye, but when all is said and done, this book remains a very personal account.

About the Author
Presently Professor Emeritus at the University of Maryland. Technical staff numismatist in Israel under the aegis of the Joint Expedition to Caesarea Maritime, 1980-82. Founded and was director of the Center for Mediterranean Archaeology. Members of this Center with the support of Smithsonian Inst. in Washington DC, assembled a touring museum exhibit entitled "King Herod's Dream/ Caesarea on the Sea" in 1988. This exhibit toured several regional museums nation wide, subsequent to the opening at... read more