Study and Publishing for a Collection of Abbasid Dirhams at the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Tourism Guidance, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Beni Suef University, Egypt

Abstract

The national archaeological museum in Madrid (MAN) is one of the main museums in Spain, which houses one of the world's most important antique collections, its exhibits span from prehistory to the 19th century. This paper offers a study of a Collection of Abbasid Dirhams preserved in MNA. The author has selected nine exceptional silver coins that have not been published before. They were struck in different mint cities and contributed to different Abbasid Caliphs. This paper depends on a scientific methodology, where these dirhams are classified chronologically. Therefore, the study is based on three main sections; the first section represents the historical background of the Abbasid Caliphate, the second one includes the descriptive study of the dirhams, while the third Section includes the analytical study
Consequently, the study aims to provide as complete as possible information about these dirhams. In addition to date them and correct the mistakes of the museum classification. Furthermore, it will shed light on the importance of these dirhams. After the description of the specimens, an in-depth analysis of the monetary legends and their ideological implications is carried out, as well as regarding to the ornamental motifs, identifying the similarities, differences, and distinctive features, in addition to examining the titles that were engraved on such dirhams.

Keywords