Journey to the Islands. The Numismatic Evidence

What the publication includes

The publication Journey to the Islands. The Numismatic Evidence presents the history and coinage of the ancient Greek islands. It includes photos of 34 coins from the Alpha Bank Collection, as well as relevant maps.

The coins come from the Ionian islands, the islands of north-eastern Aegean, the Cyclades, Crete and the Dodecanese. They depict iconographic themes mainly inspired by religion, mythology and the natural environment.

The catalogue of a major exhibition

This bilingual publication accompanied the exhibition “Journey to the Islands. The Numismatic Evidence” held at the Alpha Bank Cultural Centre in Nafplio from 11.06.2009 to 29.11.2009.

Ornaments in the sea

The islands are the main morphological feature and key element of the Greek civilisation and tradition.

They can be found all over the Aegean and the Ionian seas, with their unique natural beauty, architectural legacy and local traditions. Greek islands are a popular destination among Greek and foreign visitors.

They are ornaments in the sea, with their monuments and archaeological sites. They were the home of some of the most ancient European civilisations (e.g. Cycladic and Minoan).

Island coinage

The Greek islands developed rich and particularly important coinage in different times during antiquity.

Island coins depict iconographic themes mainly inspired by religion, mythology and the natural environment. They are witnesses of the historical evolution of this means of transaction. At the same time they provide a wealth of information on the history of each issuing authority.

Historical journey to the islands

The journey starts in Aegina, followed by the Ionian islands, the islands of the north-eastern Aegean, the Cyclades, Crete and the Dodecanese.

Author: Dimitra Tsangari
Publisher: Alpha Bank
Place and time: Athens, 2009
Dimensions: 21 x 29.5 cm
Pages: 25
Cover type: Paperback