Abraham Ortelius Biografia: A Life Dedicated to Ancient Numismatics and History

When we think about preserving the past, coins serve as a window into a bygone era, connecting us with literary sources and bridging the gap between yesterday and today. One of the earliest examples of this is Siracusa, followed by Elymian and Punic locations, which are presented in a coherent cultural itinerary that takes readers on a journey through history. The section dedicated to Sicily provides detailed plates and numerous pages reconstructing the ancient cities' histories.

In his title, Goltzius highlights the longstanding divide between Greek Sicily and Megale Hellas, along with his theory about the Sicans being the earliest settlers and forebears of the Hapsburgs of Spain and Phillip II, who is the work's dedicatee. This precedence is supported by Thucydides' authority.

Sicilia et Magna Graecia is a groundbreaking volume that explores the coinage and history of Greece during an era when the Roman world was the favored subject matter for the Empire and Papacy. Hubertus Goltzius' work stands out as a pioneering example of a scientific approach to ancient numismatics within the broader context of antiquitatis restaurator.

Abraham ortelius biografia