Expert: Malcolm Speechley - 7/8/2011

Question
QUESTION: At the time of Severus visit to Roman York, how would the garrison have received their pay? Where would the coins have come from and how would they have been transported?

Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Rhonda

Apologies for the delay in answering.

During the time of Severus Roman soldiers received their wages every Quarter. They we paid in coin bearing the Emperors Head, which was minted in Britain. Occasional when coin was short they were occasionally paid in salt (Hence the word Salary)although I don't think this happened to often during the time of Severus.

Hope you found this helpful.

Regards

Malcolm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Would the coins have been brought in by road or with the river being so important at this time by boat? Also I'm thinking of a chest with key/keys, am I right?

Answer
Hello Again Rhonda.

As I said in my previous answer the coins were minted in Britain. There was a mint at York and almost certainly other mints elsewhere so the coins would not have been brought in at all. They were made here.

Regards

Malcolm.