The formation of the image of Knut the Great’s power in Anglo-Saxon numismatics of the beginning of the XIth century

Abstract

This article examines the formation of the image of power of King Cnut the Great of England within the framework of potestarian numismatic imagology. A detailed analysis of each symbol of power used in the formation of the visual composition on the coin’s obverse is provided. This analysis identifies the sources of influence on the Anglo- Saxon potestarian imagological tradition. The most extensive source for the formation of the image of power is the Roman imagological tradition, which took hold in the late 8th century and established the canons for the formation of the visual composition on the obverse of the coin when depicting the ruler, including the traditional symbol of power on the bust – the ceremonial robe of the Roman emperors, the paludamentum. The crown, the main head regalia, was also adopted from the Roman tradition, and its depiction took many variations. However, the emergence of the most significant variation in Anglo-Saxon numismatics – the crown with lilies – reflected a foreign policy orientation toward interaction with the German emperors and was adopted directly from the Germanic potestary numismatic tradition. Furthermore, for the new image of power that developed under King Cnut, it was important to demonstrate the continuity of royal authority to the Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian populations living in England. This was achieved by using familiar symbols, such as the scepter, introduced by the previous Anglo-Saxon king, Æthelred II, and the triangular banner used by the Scandinavian kings of York.