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GREEK HEAD OF ZEUS BRONZE PTOLEMY COIN PENDANT IN 14KY GOLD 244 - 243 B.C. A masterpiece in jewelry! This GENUINE ancient Greek bronze coin of Zeus displays beautiful detail and artistry that embodies all that is ancient Greece. The bold and rich high polished 14K yellow gold teardrop design of the pendant perfectly frames the coin. The setting remains simple and allows the viewer to focus on what is important, the superb intricate detail of Zeus' wild head of hair and beard! This coin is much better in person than appears and its black patina is glossy on the highlights of Zeus but has a lighter toned caramel patina in its recesses. All this makes for a highly visible presentation and contrasts the image of Zeus wonderfully. This coin was minted in the ancient city of Tyre between 244 and 243 BC under the rule of Ptolemy III. Ptolemy III was the Greek ruler of Egypt at this time and one of the most important rulers of the long Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt. It is Ptolemy's obsession with books that leads to the establishment of one of the most important institutions of the Ancient World - the Library in Alexandria!!! After Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC, Ptolemy, one of Alexander's generals, was appointed ruler of Egypt. In 305 BC he declared himself King Ptolemy I, known as "Soter" (saviour) and made the city of Alexandria Egypt's capital, bringing Alexander's body with him to be buried in the city, reuniting the famed conqueror with the city that bore his name. The Egyptians soon accepted the Ptolemies as the successors to the pharaohs of independent Egypt. Ptolemy's family ruled Egypt up until the Roman conquest of Egypt in 31 BC. Under the rule of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, Alexandria became one of the most important cultural and economic centers of the ancient world. In the early period of Ptolemaic rule, the quality of Egyptian agriculture was greatly improved upon whereby large areas of fertile land was introduced to irrigation and new crops were imported such as cotton and better wine-producing grapes. The Ptolemies were highly regarded by the Egyptians as they substantially increased foreign trade, making more luxury goods available to more people. One of the primary reasons though, for the Ptolemies gaining the respect of the Egyptians was the desire of the Ptolemies to BE Egyptian, not the other way around. The Ptolemaic Dynasty adopted the religion and culture of Egypt and greatly respected the Egyptian heritage. Ptolemy saw a need to become one of the people he intended to rule. Ptolemy decided from the beginning of his reign that Alexandria would not just be another port capital, but the home of a new age in Greek science and art. More than just another successful Greek general, Ptolemy I had a passion for history and was an exceptional writer, chronicling detailed passages of Alexander's campaigns. He passed this love for learning to his descendants. Ptolemy's son and heir, Ptolemy II Philadelphus had a great love for science. Ptolemy III was a passionate collector of books. The Ancient Greeks had a long tradition of enlightened rulers, and despite being on foreign soil, the Ptolemies would be no exception. Ptolemy invited scholars and artists from all over the known world to come to Alexandria to nurture and build a culture of education amongst the society there. The arrival of many of these learned people resulted in one of the most famous images of historic Alexandria: the Library! A true masterpiece combination of fine jewelry craftsmanship and GENUINE ancient art! HIGHLY recommended and one of a kind. Overall size is IMPRESSIVELY LARGE at 44 mm high by 29 mm wide! CPG006 SOLD COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET |
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