Expeditions into the realm of numismatics Part 2: Hercules in the backyard and a Paduan Hercules medal
In our series “Expeditions into the realm of numismatics”, we are taking you along on an expedition to the treasures of the Basel Coin Cabinet. In the second part, the mystery of a Hercules medal with a particularly high relief often attributed to the Paduan medallist Giovanni da Calvino will be solved.
Medieval Sicily Part 5: The Normans and the pope
As the strongest power in Lower Italy the Normans turned the scale in the conflicts between the pope, the antipope and the orthodox patriarch. Robert Guiscard skillfully used that to his advantage.
The People of Zurich and their Money 15: Migros causes revolution in food retail sector
Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. In this episode you will listen to a Migros seller and a modern housewife talking back in 1925.
The Thirty Years’ War – Part 1
Both religion and power were the focal points of the Thirty Years’ War that shook the whole of Europe during the 17th century. Ursula Kampmann brings that era alive. Today you will learn about what this war was rooted in.
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.
Human faces, part 38: Henry VIII and the second of his six wives
That Henry VIII had an entire collection of wives in his lifetime is not news. But can you remember all of them? In this episode of “Human faces”, we will tell the story of his second wife, Anne Boleyn.
Human faces, part 42: The Duke of Friedland
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 this episode we talk about Albrecht von Wallenstein and his business model.
A rare 1723 ducat from the Archdiocese of Cologne
In the 17th century, Cologne was shaken by the quarrel of two families competing for the archbishop’s office. Joseph Clemens of Wittelsbach prevailed, was forced to exile – and has left us with presentation pieces featuring interesting motifs.
Medieval Sicily Part 6: Sicily becomes Norman
Robert Guiscard planned on bringing all of Sicily under his control. Since his adversaries were Moslems, he fought a holy war – a concept that was prevalent at the time. It was his successor Roger who then turned Sicily into a model of religious tolerance.
Human Faces Part 8: A Body is Kidnapped
Why is it that for centuries – or rather thousands of years – the head has served as the motif for the side of a coin? And why has this changed in the last 200 years? In this part of the series it is once again about Alexander the Great – at least about his body.