The Siege

obsidionali

Under siege —

The term “obsidionalis” (or “obsidional” in English) originates from Latin, referring to something related to a siege. Historically, this term is often found in the context of coins or medals—known as “obsidional coins” or “siege coins.” These were emergency currency minted by cities under siege, made from whatever materials were available, to ensure the economy within the besieged area could continue to some extent. They are a fascinating part of numismatics (the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects) because they not only served as currency but also as historical records of the siege conditions, the resilience of the inhabitants, and the duration of the siege.

From a broader perspective, the concept of “obsidional” can be interpreted in several ways, especially when considering your interests:

1. Aesthetics: The design and production of obsidional coins can be seen as a form of innovation under duress. These pieces often carry unique aesthetics, reflective of the circumstances of their creation. They embody a raw, pragmatic beauty born from necessity, aligning with a Spartan aesthetic of simplicity and functionality.
2. Philosophy: The circumstances leading to the creation of siege coins can serve as a metaphor for Stoic philosophy. They represent resilience, adaptability, and the stoic acceptance of circumstances beyond one’s control, while still striving to maintain some degree of autonomy and order.
3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The creation of a new form of currency under siege conditions is a testament to human ingenuity and the entrepreneurial spirit, even in the face of adversity. It underscores the idea that necessity drives innovation, as people find novel solutions to pressing problems.
4. Stoicism: The creation and use of obsidional coins can be interpreted through a Stoic lens as a physical manifestation of enduring and overcoming hardships. The Stoics valued the ability to remain unperturbed by external circumstances, and the existence of these coins is a testament to the resilience of those under siege.

These coins, therefore, are not just historical artifacts; they are symbols of human creativity, resilience, and the enduring will to find solutions in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.