THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART: GALLERIA 169: Art of the Later Roman Empire: 3rd Century A. D.

Speranza

The works on view in the John A. and Carole O. Moran Gallery demonstrate changes in social and artistic trends that emerged during the later imperial period. One of these was the adoption of burial (internment) in place of cremation, prompting the creation of an empire-wide industry making large and imposing marble sarcophagi. Oriental cults spread across the Roman world and exerted a growing influence on people's lives in this period of political and economic uncertainty.
Also on view is a display of gold, silver, and bronze coins that were minted primarily to supply money for state expenditure and to facilitate the collection of taxes.