The Greeks in Sicily – The Numismatics and History

Abstract

This article aims to present the potential of the monetary evidences for the study of the history of the Greeks in Sicily. From the analysis of the epigraphy and iconography on coins minted by the poleis in classical period will be discussed how in Siceliot context the Greek coin was used as a support and vehicle for artistic competition, as will be shown with the case of engravers subscribers of dies – a local phenomenon –, and for expression of Polis, Siceliot and Greek identities. The interaction between Greeks and non-greeks (elymians) in the island will be also addressed from the case of monetary types of Segesta.