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.
The Thirty Years’ War – Part 2
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 how the (Second) Defenestration of Prague happened.
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.
The Thirty Years’ War – Part 13 (1633-1634)
Religion was of secondary importance in the Thirty Years’ War. It was all about power and money. Ursula Kampmann brings that era alive. Today, the war coincides with the assassination of Wallenstein.
Human faces, part 43: The thrifty Sun King
Frugality is probably the last thing you would associate with Louis XIV. Versailles is not the only manifestation of the more than lavish lifestyle that he was so popular for. Still, this episode shows a very different side of the monarch.
A coin is being made – the Swiss commemorative coins celebrating the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel
It takes much effort and planning until a collector can purchase his commemorative coin that will serve as a memento of an event which – like the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel – will become part of the national myth.
Medieval Sicily Part 7: Reaching for the stars
The general political climate made it possible for the Sicilian ruler in the end of the world to reach for the stars and try to conquer Constantinople.