The Paradox of Thucydides. What Antiquity Teaches Us About Covid-19

We should all read Thucydides says historian Marek Węcowski. Because the Greek historiographer described meticulously the social consequences of an epidemic in his own time. Thus we may anticipate the most urgent tasks to tackle after Covid-19.

Collector, Maecenas, Patient – The Tragic Life of Rudolf II. Part 3: The Collector

As a result of the Turkish war, Rudolf saw his God-given omnipotence tarnished. Thus, the melancholy emperor sought refuge in his art collection, for which he always had money. However, this didn’t help him against his ambitious brother Matthias.

Collector, Maecenas, Patient – The Tragic Life of Rudolf II. Part 2: The Emperor

On his coins, Rudolf II displayed the high aspirations he had for his reign. However, day-to-day business was though and then war broke out against the Turks. And medals played a crucial role in it.

Collector, Maecenas, Patient – The Tragic Life of Rudolf II. Part 1: The Young Man

Rudolf II went down in history as an unworldly emperor hiding in the witches’ kitchens of alchemists. His brothers stole his imperial crown while he was still alive. Justly? Unjustly? Let’s try to answer this question.

On Goldfinger and Gold: Pulp Fictions and Hard Facts

Super-agent James Bond seems to know everything about diamonds, champagne, and gold. But at least as for gold, the Bond movies mix facts, fictions, and urban myths. After reading Simon Bytheway’s article you will watch “Goldfinger” with different eyes!

The Origin of the Bavarian Beer Purity Law

A regulation of the Bavarian dukes William IV and his brother Louis X is still quoted frequently today: the “Reinheitsgebot” – the beer purity law of 1516. We tell its story with the help of coins from the Special Collection Bavaria, which will be on sale on 18 March 2020 at Künker.