Patrick Magnus Bruun

Patrick Magnus Bruun (1920–2007) was a Finnish historian and numismatist, renowned for his expertise in late antique Roman coinage. Born in Helsinki, he completed his doctorate at the University of Helsinki in 1953 with a thesis titled “The Constantinian Coinage of Arelate.” Bruun held various academic positions, including Director of the Institutum Romanum Finlandiae in Rome (1965–1968) and Professor of General History at Åbo Akademi University in Turku (1968–1983), where he also served as Prorector from 1969 to 1975.

Bruun's scholarly contributions significantly advanced the study of Roman numismatics, particularly concerning the Constantinian era. His notable works include "Studies in Constantinian Chronology" (1961) and "Constantine and Licinius, A.D. 313–337," published as Volume VII of the "Roman Imperial Coinage" series in 1966. Additionally, his compilation "Studies in Constantinian Numismatics: Papers from 1954 to 1988" (1991) remains a valuable resource for researchers in the field.

Throughout his career, Bruun was recognized for his academic excellence and leadership within the scholarly community. His research continues to influence the study of late Roman coinage, providing insights into the economic and political landscapes of the era.