The Roman denarius was a silver coin used in ancient Rome, first minted around 211 BC. It became the standard currency for trade and commerce throughout the Roman Empire. The denarius typically weighed about 4 grams and featured various designs, including images of gods, goddesses, and emperors, reflecting the political and cultural values of the time. As the empire expanded, the denarius facilitated economic transactions across vast distances. Over time, its silver content decreased due to inflation and economic challenges, leading to the introduction of other coins. Despite this, the denarius remained a symbol of Roman wealth and power for centuries.