Princeton University Press Coins, Bodies, Games, and Gold - Princeton University Press

Explore the complex history of ancient Greece through Leslie Kurke's analysis of coinage and symbolic practices. This book examines how the invention of coinage served as a platform for rival political groups to express their worldviews during the archaic period. By examining the connection between metal imagery and various social elements like oracles, retail trade, and games, the text provides a deep look into the social changes of the era. Readers will learn about the rise of egalitarian ideology within the polis and the simultaneous resistance from elitist traditions. This work connects the history of money to broader cultural stories, including tales of Eastern tyrants and counterfeiting. It is an essential resource for those interested in the intersection of politics, economics, and symbolism in the ancient world.