Entries by Ursula Kampmann

What Will Be Depicted on Croatia’s Euro Coins?

In 2023, Croatia will become the youngest member of the euro zone. The themes of Croatia’s euro coins have already been chosen – and one of them has stirred up controversy. Let’s find out how Croatia presents itself to Europe on its new coins.

The Design of the Circulation Euro Coins: Italy – 1 Cent – Castel del Monte

The euro coins are a splendid means for all countries in the eurozone to convey their own self-conception. Why did the Italians choose to depict solely works of art on their euro coins? And how important a role does famous Castel del Monte, built by Frederick II, play in Italian national identity?

Ball Games in Ancient Mexico

Only three days to go until the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. The players of the victorious team will become national heroes. The losers, on the other hand, will travel home, defeated, yet considerably richer than when they arrived at Brazil. They face a much happier fate than the players of the Mayan ball games.

Human Faces Part 21: Where is God?

Why is it that for centuries – or rather thousands of years – the head has served as the motif for the side of a coin? And why has this changed in the last 200 years? This section of the series ‘Human Faces’ tackles the question whether the commandment ‘Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image’ applies to coins as well.

Human Faces Part 20: An Ancient Power Woman

Why is it that for centuries – or rather thousands of years – the head has served as the motif for the side of a coin? And why has this changed in the last 200 years? This chapter looks at a woman of exceptional strength in her day.

Human Faces Part 16: The Fratricide of Caracalla

Already the Roman emperors suffered from psychosomatic illnesses. This chapter of the series ‘Human Faces’ looks at why Caracalla was given sleepless nights by the assassination of his brother and what he did about that.

Human Faces Part 6: The 30 Pieces of Silver

Why is it that for centuries – or rather thousands of years – the head has served as the motif for the side of a coin? And why has this changed in the last 200 years? In this part we will talk about the coins Judas received handing over Jesus.