Numismatics: Lysimachos’ tetradrachm

This week’s coin of the week is a rather special one as it shows a portrait of Alexander the Great on the obverse. However, he himself did not order the coins to be made. It was in fact one of his successors who had these coins struck: Lysimachos. Read on to discover who he was …

Numismatics: Athens during the Hellenistic period

It’s time again for another post in our series on numismatics. This coin won the numismatic face-off we did on our Instagram account last week, so let us have a closer look at this coin from Hellenistic Athens. Athenian Coins Coins from Athens are among the most easily recognizable of the coins that were made …

Epigraphy: A Beginners Guide I

Ancient Greek texts are an important tool to learn more about the ancient Greeks and their history. Most people will know the information given to us via the writings of historians such as Herodotos of Halicarnassos, yet there are also the Greek texts such as decrees or funerary steles which tell us more about life …

Numismatics: Silver turtles from Aegina

Starting this week each week a specific coin will be put into the spotlight. This way you can learn more about the beautiful and diverse coins of the Greek world. I have been doing this on the Instagram account, so check out some of the pictures there or use the #NumismaticThursdays.    The Silver Coin …

Hellenistic People II: Philopoemen of Megalopolis

The second figure I want to shine a light upon in the series on notable figures of the Hellenistic Period: Philopoemen of Megalopolis. Together with Aratus of Sikyon, he has to be seen as one of the most famous statesmen of the Achaian League. Ῥωμαίων δέ τις ἐπαινῶν ἔσχατον αὐτὸν Ἑλλήνων προσεῖπεν, ὡς οὐδένα μέγαν …