A new mini-exhibit "Doing Business in the Ancient World" is currenlty on display at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Objects from the Oriental Institute Museum collections were chosen by exhibit co-curators Jack Green and Brittany Hayden to highlight monetary transactions in the ancient world. Featured objects include a cuneiform tablet from the Old Assyrian Period inscribed with a letter in Akkadian about a business dispute, a silver coil used as a form of currency, a variety of ancient coins, and a stamped Rhodian amphora handle used to identify the quality and brand of wine inside the vessel. The exhibit is accompanied by a touch screen showing images of the objects and translations of their texts.

Highlights from the Exhibit:

1. Mesopotamian Coil Money (OIM A9545) - View Slideshow Image

2. Lydian Coin of King Croesus (OIM A23052) - View Slideshow Image

3. Ptolemaic Silver Coin (OIM E13721) - View Slideshow Image

4. Counterfeit Coin Mold (OIM E7908) - View Slideshow Image

5. Business Letter (OIM A22181) - View Slideshow Image

6. Stamped Rhoadian Amphora Handle (OIM E14800) - View slideshow image

7. Ptolemaic Bronze Coin (OIM E13718) - View slideshow image

 


In the News:

Museum Exhibit Explores Ancient Money and Business
Eric Gwinn
July 23, 2015