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Ptolemy V Epiphanes – A Young King Defeated, Then Immortalized in Stone

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Ptolemy V Epiphanes – A Young King Defeated, Then Immortalized in Stone

This piece stands as an anomaly in the 300-year series of Ptolemaic coinage. While nearly all Ptolemaic silver tetradrachms bear the portrait of the dynasty’s founder, Ptolemy I, this rare type depicts the current ruling monarch, the young Ptolemy V. The coin is complemented by attractive old cabinet toning throughout. Above: Ptolemy V Epiphanes (r. […]

July 31, 2026

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The Persian Empire After its Defeat in Greece (ca. 479-425 BC)

February 15, 2026

The Persian Empire After its Defeat in Greece (ca. 479-425 BC)

Much has been written about the David-and-Goliath story in which the small coalition of Greek city-states defeated the…

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The Gorgoneion – A Symbol of Medusa

February 15, 2026

The Gorgoneion – A Symbol of Medusa

There was an association between the gorgoneion (which simply means the head of a gorgon) and magic, even…

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Persian Rule in Egypt – The Twenty-Seventh Dynasty (525-333 BC)

October 21, 2025

Persian Rule in Egypt – The Twenty-Seventh Dynasty (525-333 BC)

Egypt was originally conquered by the Persians under Cyrus the Great's son Cambyses, who invaded and subjugated Egypt…

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A Second, Smaller City of Argos

October 21, 2025

A Second, Smaller City of Argos

Unfortunately for us, this second Argos appears very little in the historical record. The only detailed account of…

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Climax of the Gallic Wars: Julius Caesar vs. Vercingetorix

October 2, 2025

Climax of the Gallic Wars: Julius Caesar vs. Vercingetorix

Vercingetorix was Caesar’s most formidable opponent to date by far, and Caesar knew it. He writes in his…

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Jovinus the Usurper & the end of Roman Power in Germany

October 2, 2025

Jovinus the Usurper & the end of Roman Power in Germany

Described as Germany’s oldest city, Trier was founded under Augustus but only rose to prominence in the late…

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A Goat-Head Hecte of Phocaea

October 2, 2025

A Goat-Head Hecte of Phocaea

Not many ancient coins depict goats, with most of the goat coins emanating from the region of Thrace…

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Hadrian in Egypt – The Mysterious Demise of Antinous

August 17, 2025

Hadrian in Egypt – The Mysterious Demise of Antinous

Hadrian and Antinous hunted lions together in the Libyan desert and then headed back to the Nile for…

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A Small Piece of Archaic Greek Style

August 17, 2025

A Small Piece of Archaic Greek Style

This small and unassuming coin is one of the first issues of Cnidus, a city on the southern…

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Sybaris, Italy – A Greek Colony Wiped from History

August 4, 2025

Sybaris, Italy – A Greek Colony Wiped from History

Near the middle of the Archaic Period (ca. 8th century BC), around the time of the possibly fictitious epic…

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From Carmona to Picasso: Iberian Aesthetics

July 14, 2025

From Carmona to Picasso: Iberian Aesthetics

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was captivated by this pre-Roman Spanish style, taking inspiration from all manner of Iberian art,…

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The Cult of Isis – Egyptian Religion in Rome

July 10, 2025

The Cult of Isis – Egyptian Religion in Rome

Isis, along with Serapis, were the two principal deities that spread from Greek-ruled Egypt (under the Ptolemies) to…

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