What does sestertium mean?
The sestertium was a unit of currency in ancient Rome, equivalent to 2 1/2 asses or 1/4 of an as. It was used to buy goods and services, and its value fluctuated over time. The sestertium was also used as a symbol of wealth and status, with merchants and traders using it to measure their wealth. Despite its importance in ancient Roman economy, the sestertium has largely been forgotten in modern times, replaced by more modern forms of currency. However, it remains an interesting footnote in the history of currency and trade.
nounA unit of currency in ancient Rome, equivalent to 2 1/2 asses or 1/4 of an as.
- 1. A unit of currency in ancient Rome
"The merchant's wealth was measured in sestertii, which he used to buy goods from the market."
"The merchant's wealth was measured in sestertii, which he used to buy goods from the market."
"The Roman emperor's treasury was filled with sestertii, which he used to fund his military campaigns."
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Etymology of sestertium
The word 'sestertium' is derived from the Latin word 'sestertius', which means 'sixth part'. This refers to the fact that the sestertium was equivalent to 2 1/2 asses, or one-sixth of an as. The Latin word 'sestertius' is itself derived from the word 'sextus', which means 'sixth'.
Usage notes
The sestertium was used in ancient Rome from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD. It was replaced by the denarius, which became the standard unit of currency in the Roman Empire. The sestertium is no longer used as a unit of currency, but it remains an interesting historical footnote.