Ursula Kampmann
Human faces, part 34: A “terrible” Pope
Why does this coin feature both the Pope and the trademark of an influential merchant family? This coin, portraying Julius II and the Fugger family business, illustrates that economy and religion always have and always will go hand in hand.
The Thirty Years’ War – Part 7 (1623-1625)
Religion was of secondary importance in the Thirty Years’ War. It was all about power and money. Ursula Kampmann brings that era alive. Today you will read about the downfall of the Palatinate Winter King, about the rise of the mad Halberstadter and the intervention of the Danish king.
Human faces, part 33: Il Moro and Leonardo
Why was the human head the motif on coins for centuries, no, for millennia? And why did that change in the last 200 years? As a generous patron of Leonardo da Vinci, Ludovico Sforza rightfully earned his coin portrait.
The Thirty Years’ War – Part 6 (1621-1623)
Religion was of secondary importance in the Thirty Years’ War. It was all about power and money. Ursula Kampmann brings that era alive. Today you will read how Bavaria became an electorate and how Wallenstein became Duke of Courland.
Human faces, part 32: Murder in Milan
After the brutal murder of the Duke of Milan, only one question is on the mind of Milan’s aristocracy: who will follow in his office? The seven-year-old son? Quite surprisingly, the succession is settled peacefully. Peaceful, but not uneventful, thanks to the dowager duchess…
The Design of the Circulation Euro Coins: Greece – 1 Cent – Trireme
The Greek 1 Cent piece features a Greek trireme. This ship reminds us of the heydays of the Greek nation, when the Athenian fleet saved the Greek city states of becoming part of the Persian Empire. Our article will tell this well-known story.
Human faces, part 31: The Condottieri, winners in every war
From dishwasher to millionaire, or: from mercenary to Duke of Milan. Francesco Sforza did the impossible and founded one of the most influential families in Renaissance Italy.
Human faces, part 30: The Hercules of Ferrara
Why was the human head the motif on coins for centuries, no, for millennia? And why did that change in the last 200 years? In today’s episode, we’ll tell you the story of an Italian prince who admired Hercules so much that he named his son after him.
The People of Zurich and their Money 14: Rich and Poor
Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. This episode is about the different worlds in the year 1887. An American journalist first visited Aussersihl, a suburb of Zurich, and afterwards a businessman in his villa.