Numismatic Miniatures from the North: Part 1 – The Stolen Crowns of Strängnäs
Strängnäs, July 31, 2018. Thieves have run off with two crowns and an orb. These are unique relics of Swedish history that represent the nation’s conversion to Protestantism. Of course, we went to see them on our journey to the North.
Human Faces Part 12: Augustus, Peacemaking Emperor or Mass Murderer?
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? This chapter of the series ‘Human Faces’ looks at Augustus and his new image following the Civil War.
The Thirty Years’ War – Part 3
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 read about Frederick’s fight for Bohemia and Ferdinand’s fight for the imperial crown.
The Thirty Years’ War – Part 8 (1626-1629)
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 the emperor had got the match sewn up – but gave it away in the end.
The royal wedding of Kulmbach
A happy widower, a crossbow shooting and a gold gulden… Find out in this article how coins were used during Renaissance shooting competitions.
Human faces, part 46: “When you call, my Fatherland”
Why was the human head the motif on coins for centuries, no, for millennia? And why did that change in the last 200 years? Get to know more about the story of Helvetia, the personification of Switzerland, in this episode.
Sicilian Mosaic Part 4: Gela
In the early 5th century, entire Sicily focused on Gela and its tyrant Gelon. Here you may gain insight into the coinage of this city in this era.
Numismatic miniatures from the North: Part 2 – Why cashless could work in Sweden
Sweden is different. The mentality of its inhabitants is characterized by an incredible willingness to act rationally at the expense of one’s personal comfort. And as to what is rational, people are quite ready to let themselves be influenced. Here are some thoughts on why the concept of the cashless society might actually work in Sweden.
Human Faces Part 17: Who Should Pay?
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? This chapter of the series ‘Human Faces’ looks at the reasons why the attempt to establish national economy in ancient Rome failed.
Amphitrite’s New Hat: A Coin of the Brettii
The belief systems of the ancient world teemed with beings who were a mixture of human, animal and divine elements. Many of these are so familiar to us that we no longer wonder when we see them. Yet some images are so curious that they demand further investigation.