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Trail of Tin

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Birth of Brass Coinage in Rome
Makes a connection with the Celtic
Brits

Trail of Tin
By
Dewey Maggard

The topic of metallurgy does enter into the realm of numismatics. The composition of a coin can settle some interesting questions. It can also validate serious historical questions. I will address both the interesting element of the question and the historical, and what may be gleaned from this combination.
My interest in this subject was aroused when I was able to acquire a "Brass" Dupondius of Agrippa (12 B.C.), a first generation of this kind of coin. This is a first use of the metal 'tin' for the Romans at least in coinage. Please note, our early authorities and scholars used the term brass interchangeably with bronze. Both, rightfully say you must have tin for your finished product. Twenty five (25%) Tin was used to get the desired hardness of the brass/bronze. The reason for this
Confusion in the uses of the word brass or bronze lies in modern technology because "Zinc' which is used to get Brass- was not discovered until 1746. Therefore in reference to the ancient Dupondius of this time period please be content with the word Brass. You will find such eminent men as Zander H Klawans using this term.
The introduction of this alloy at this time shows to us through Numismatics in the Dupondius that it has the INTERESTING aspect I spoke of. It reveals these Ancients were quick to see the advantages of a harder metal. One they could put to great use. The harder metal would serve for use in their war machine, chariots, swords, shields and other uses.
The advantages of having this valuable element of Tin explain a great deal. Namely, why at this particular point in time with its appearance of the Dupondius of Agrippa in 12 B.C. the sudden interest in the Brits>
Up until his reign, their interest was in Gaul- (across the channel) and no attempt had been made to occupy Briton. Yet for the next two generations, we see this new yellow metal included in Imperial Rome coinage. Indeed, this means a peaceful CO-existence and trade agreement was in force between the Brits, or (Celts) and (Druids). The Romans were content right up until 43-47 AD
Because their Tin supply was coming in per trade agreement with the Brit Chieftans.
But, as history reveals, political turmoil and unrest had arrived for the Pagans in the form of Christianity. This new concept was a threat to Imperial Rome.. Christianity was seeping into its heart and soul. Imperial Rome saw a threat with a continual infiltration of Christians into Briton. Concurrently, we are seeing open hostilities against Christians in Palestine. To the Pagan Roman mind, Christianity is creating too many problems. We see how the Romans used the force of their power to attempt to quell these rebels.
Let me introduce a tremendous new surprise of what these Romans did with the tin from Briton. Under Emperor Tiberius 13 B.C.-37 A.D., they incorporated the use of this Tin with copper for a new water valve SEE IMAGE This valve is very little different from many used in our own time. With a million people inhabiting this city we can imagine a tremendous need for water. This Brass/Bronze water valve provided the ability of cuttng waste by two-thirds. More importantly, for the Imperial Government, it provided revenue to help pay for the TIN.
Here is how it was done. A brass nozzle fitting from the valve to a lead pipe was stamped as to its size releasing the flow of water. If you lived in an upper class size house, you had a 2 inch valve control; a middle sized house, you had a 1 and ½ inch valve control; and average or poor class, you had a 1 inch valve control. This was all done with connections to wood and lead pipe.. The image herein pictured was taken of a valve from the Palace of the Emperor himself (Tiberius) located on the Isle of Capri. As the owner of one of the homes, you paid yor taxes according to the bore of the pipe.,
Is it not strange that right up until the advent of Christianity, Rome and Briton were at peaceful coexistence. As it excitingly turns out, the Brit Chieftan or king if you will obviously had control of the raw materials of tin and copper of which Rome was in much need of. This Tin trade for Briton had been going on long before the Romans presence and from this we can only guess at the great wealth these Chieftans and the King possessed.
The name of the primary Chieftan or King has was Caracatus (he also had another name) We can easily place him among the wealthiest of his day. In fact, his power and prestige with the Romans (before the Christians) enabled him to have a Palace in Rome itself. The maintenance and care of this palatial second home was in the care of his daughter by the name of Claudia. This is the same Claudia who housed Paul during his time under house arrest. The power of Caracatus could explain why Paul had such freedom in Rome during his time there. This Claudia is among those named in 2Timothy 4:21 as sending greetings to Timothy from Rome. Linus, was a second son of this Caracatus and was also of this household and named as one sending grettings to Timothy. Two others whose names were Eulubus and Puden were mentioned. Obviously as converts, these folks mentioned here through the graciousness and prestige of Caracatus made regular trips to and from Briton and gained converts along the way..
There appears to be as much as 6 years between the arrival of Paul in Rome and their beginning to take Vengence against Caracatus, and all because his family had become Christians. Caracatus embraced Christianity before he was finally subdued by the Romans at Anglesey in Wales where the copper holdings among the Welch and Druids. After Caracatus made his surrendere in 47-48 AD,in Wales, it was another two generations before Emperor Trajan and Emperor Hadrian could claim a strong foothold on Ancient Briton soil.
We also know from the Historian Tacitus, this great man Caracatus was able to address the Imperial Senate of Rome about 8 years after his defeat. This then is yet another evidence of the power and prestige this man had held. It does appear that in consideration of his influence with his successors back in Briton, the Romans were not anxious to kill him or his family. However, we see very soon after Nero had this household along with Paul all killed, a serious revolt once again broke out in Briton in the area of Iceni in 61 A.D. Another chapter where the Brits finally had to submit to superior numbers..
The Triad of the apostle Paul's teachings most certainly left its mark on the entire Gentile world of his days. And into our own time. We merely touched on it.
Until another time and place, who knows where the Trail of Tin can lead us?
I hope you have enjoyed following some of these mysterious threads of history with me.. If you have enjoyed this article , I welcome your comments.
Dewey Maggard
All Rights Reserved..


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