Annona:
Bread Stamps in Ancient Greece
Greek Domitian Bread Stamp
A bronze alloy bread stamp with a rectangular face 5 cm x 7.5 cm. A signet is soldered to the back of the ring, bearing the image of a lion. The intended imprinted message: ΔΟΜΕΤΤΙΡΝΟΥ references the Roman Emperor Domitian, who reigned from 81 CE - 96 CE.
The Logan Museum of Anthropology
Photo Credit Hailey Lorenzen
Annona
This stamp was probably used in the Roman annona, a food distribution system paid for by taxation and supplemented by private food vendors. The annona fed not only Rome’s common freedmen, but benefited public servants, and the Roman army. The annona was so important it was worshiped as a goddess, often depicted as a woman holding a cornucopia for prosperity.​
Statue of Emperor Domitian. Image Credit: Mharrsch. 2008. “Domitian statue Vatican.” Wikimedia Commons.
The annona was also used to supply food and other basic necessities to its military legions when they were deployed elsewhere in the empire. The emperor managed this system through the appointed Prefect of the Annonae.
This type of distribution system also existed in Egypt and predates the Roman annonae. This system was similar in some ways to modern food pantries or SNAP benefits. Grain would be taxed and given to the Pharaoh and government officials would send out allotments of grain to the different sectors of the Pharaoh’s realm and distribute it to the people. We see media depictions of this system in movies like: Joseph: King of Dreams (2000), The Ten Commandments (1956), Joseph (2015), Joseph (1995), The Story of Joseph and His Brethren (1961).
Poster for the American theatrical run of the film The Ten Commandments, 1956. Image Credit: Illustrated by Macario Gómez Quibus for Paramount Pictures. Corporation. Wikimedia Commons.
Euergesia
The Greek euergesia, meaning benefactor, was a similar system established around the same time as the Roman annona. The euergesia was managed by the nobles and was based on an obligation system, where those who were wealthy or belonged to an upper class were obligated to contribute funds and goods, as well as to public needs.
Image Credit: Carole Raddato. 2022. Neşeli ol hayatını yaşa.jpg. Wikipedia Commons.
This skeleton lounges among the Greek word ΕΥΦΡΟΣΥΝΟΣ, translating to making cheerful. Meaning all he needs to be happy is bread and wine.