What was Thessaly in ancient Greece?

At its greatest extent, ancient Thessaly was a wide area stretching from Mount Olympus to the north to the Spercheios Valley to the south. Thessaly is a geographically diverse region, consisting of broad central plains surrounded by mountains.

What were coins called in ancient Greece?

drachma
drachma, silver coin of ancient Greece, dating from about the mid-6th century bc, and the former monetary unit of modern Greece. The drachma was one of the world’s earliest coins. Its name derives from the Greek verb meaning “to grasp,” and its original value was equivalent to that of a handful of arrows.

What is Thessaly famous for?

Thessaly is known as the heartland of Greece providing over 40% of the total agricultural production of the country. The Pinios River basin is the principal agricultural region where corn, rice, olives, a variety of vegetables and citrus fruit are grown.

Why is Thessaly important?

The Plain of Thessaly, which lies between Mount Oeta/Othrys and Mount Olympus, was the site of the battle between the Titans and the Olympians. According to legend, Jason and the Argonauts launched their search for the Golden Fleece from the Magnesia Peninsula.

How can you tell if a Greek coin is real?

The tools used for engraving in antiquity (among the Romans) gave a particular form to letters. On the authentic coins, we see horizontal pointed lines at the ends of the letters. The letter A will show you both legs with this “sharp” line at the bottom of each leg.

How many ancient Greek coins are there?

100,000 ancient Greek coins
Ancient Greek coins today The American Numismatic Society collection comprises some 100,000 ancient Greek coins from many regions and mints, from Spain and North Africa to Afghanistan.

How were coins made in ancient Greece?

Greek coins were made using mostly silver but also gold, electrum (a naturally occurring alloy of silver and gold), copper alloy, and bronze. Meanwhile, an engraver carved the design (in relief or incised) onto metal dies of hardened bronze or iron, one for each side of the coin (early coins had only one side stamped).

How big is a tetradrachm?

2.5 cm, 17.2 g (1 in., 0.0379 lb.)

When did the Greeks go to Thessaly?

Between 6000 BC-2500 BC Thessaly, which at the time was referred to in antiquity as Aeolia, was inhabited by several different Neolithic and Chalcolithic tribes as well as Mycenaeans. The Greek Thessalians were said to be descendants of a Thesprotian tribe which settled in the area after leaving the Thesprotian Ephyra.