“Alexandria in Nummis”– Impressions from the Symposium in Lugano
On 20 and 21 September, an international symposium was held in Lugano, organized by the Circolo Numismatico Ticinese (CNT), that was dedicated to the Roman Imperial Coinage of Alexandria. Fabrizio Rossini, CNT president, shares his impressions from the event.
Our International Symposium went really very well, attendance was excellent both in terms of audience as well as on the Speakers’ side, with all ‘relevant names’ and the best specialists being present for the occasion. Bransbourg, Burnett, Geissen, Howgego, Klesper, Lucchelli, Matthies, Savio, Staffieri, Woytek, all gave relevant contributions and animating the ensuing discussions.
Some of the participants: Gilles Bransbourg…
… Andrew Burnett…
… François De Callatäy…
…and Giovanni Staffieri.
On top of the scholarly presentations we also had the chance to host Zahi Hawass, the famed Egyptian archaeologist, former Egypt’s Cultural Affairs Minister, who provided a lively presentation on the quest for Cleopatra’s tomb (still to be found of course..). The closing remarks were kindly provided by François De Callatäy, in his typical effective and entertaining style.
Participants waiting for the next session to begin.
Among the attendants, mostly Alexandrian numismatics enthusiasts and specialists, it was a pleasure to notice several PhD students from noted universities: Köln, Harvard, Yale, Sorbonne, Basel, an important sign for the continuation of research in the field.
Lake Lugano – what a location for a symposium!
Impressions from the Gala Dinner.
Impressions from the Gala Dinner.
A highlight of the one and a half-day conference was the Gala dinner organized to welcome our Speakers, treated to a local ‘Grotto’ with our guests enjoying a brief but nice boat cruise on the lake. The Gala dinner was made possible thanks to the generous contribution of Banca Cornèr. The evening and the dinner in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere left a nice souvenir to everyone attending.
The obligatory group photo of the participants, with many happy faces!)
Overall if one feature could be highlighted regarding the Symposium, it was the friendly and constructive atmosphere that permeated the whole event. Scholars debating and expressing their different viewpoints, did so in such a civilized, and at times even humorous way, that it was a treat to listen.
The venue of the Symposium.
Finally, we are honoured to confirm that the Symposium’s proceedings will be curated by the internationally renowned review Quaderni Ticinesi, directed by archaeologist Andrea Bignasca, and will be published in the 2025 issue. A big organizational effort for our small organization, luckily shared with the many friends who lent a hand, but definitely worthwhile for everyone who contributed to make it possible.
Photo credits: Silvio Mazzarello and Symposium participants.
