Akragas was the last of the major Greek colonies established in Sicily, founded circa 580 BC by settlers from Gela, who were themselves of Rhodian and Cretan origin. Situated on the southern coast between the rivers Akragas and Hypsas, the city occupied a strategic plateau that offered natural defenses and access to fertile hinterlands. For the first century of its existence, Akragas grew wealthy on agriculture - olives, grapes, and grain - and the breeding of horses, for whi

The New Year’s kiss is one of the most famous holiday traditions around. It can be a sweet way to ring in the new year with a partner, the slightly awkward result of too many glasses of Champagne, or the thrilling start of a new romance . - The New Year’s Eve Kiss Tradition, Explained , by Gia Yetikyel and Anna Grace Lee, December 27, 2025 Venus, goddess of Love, on the obverse of a denarius from the Roman Republic, 81 BCE For the link between the New Year's kiss and Roman Sa

The Battle at Actium in 31 BC, an early Roman Imperial monument, marble relief, first half of the 1st century A.D. (extensively restored in the 16th or 17th century) from the Collection of the Dukes of Cardona, Cordoba. Public Domain image via the Wikimedia Commons . Today's coin was issued in Antioch and comes with the story of the governor of Syria, blocking a team of gladiators from supporting Mark Antony after Actium. Anthony and Cleopatra died in August of 30 BC and the

John Of Gaunt (1340-1399) Duke Of Lancaster, Engraving, 1736, by George Vertue. A "Conder token" is a little out of place on this blog, however we will make an exception as this token comes with : some interesting history from the time of the French Revolution which drew inspiration like the American revolution from the history of the Roman Republic, a dynastic series of coins that clearly owe key elements of their style and dynastic succession to rules that were established