But that is no place to start. Let me begin with the fall, or just a little before.
ex·ergue (eks′ʉrg′, eg′zʉrg′) noun the space on a coin or medal below or around the pictures or designs, often used for the date, place, etc. the inscription in this space Etymology: Fr, lit., that which is out of the work < ModL exergum < Gr ex, out, outside of + ergon.