The prosperity of the ancient Greeks was by no means limited to Greece itself. In fact the most profitable ventures of the Greeks occurred overseas at the colonies they founded in Asia and Southern Italy. These cities served as bases for trade between the Greeks and people who lived at great distances from Central Greece. read more.

Most Greek cities had foundation mythologies, which tell of the circumstances under which a city was founded. Perhaps the most interesting of all is that of the south Italian city of Taras, which was originally populated by people from the Greek city of Sparta, but was founded with the help of the gods. read more.

The designs on coins are often laden with symbolism. Kings, queens and presidents have used them to express ideas or to display their own likeness. The ancient Greeks were notorious for their love of symbolism, and on this coin of the legendary Greek king and conqueror, 'Alexander the Great,' we find some of the best ever produced. read more

Although not indigenous to Greek lands, the lion was still a popular beast renowned for its power and hunting prowess. The lion had been depicted in Greek and asiatic art for centuries before coinage was invented, and was especially prized by the Romans who used them in the Gladiatorial Games they held in the Colosseum. read more.

Every four years the focus of the world is fixed upon the olympic games - an event which celebrates the unity of mankind and puts the world's finest athletes to the test. These games originated with the Ancient Greeks, who were as fond of athletic competition as they were of war, religion, poetry, wine and music. read more.

Ptolemy I "Soter", the son of the Macedonian Lagus, having earned Alexander's affection in their shared boyhood, became one of his most trusted generals. He was one of the most distinguished warriors in Alexanders' destruction of the Persian Empire which precipitated 300 years of Greek rule of Egypt. As a designated successor to Alexander, along with numerous others, a group historically called the "Diadochi", Ptolemy received Egypt to govern after his friend's death. read more.

He was a god of many names and attributes. The son of Cronus and Rhea, Poseidon was one of six siblings, and the males eventually divided the powers of the universe. His brother Zeus became ruler of the sky, his brother Hades was given the underworld, and Poseidon received responsibility for the seas, as well as, earthquakes, horses, and with his sister Demeter, fertility. read more