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Alexander the Great and Zeus coin pendant
£55.00
Reproduction of a silver tetradrachm, attributed to the mint of Amphipolis and dating to the first decade of the 3rd century BC. Alexander is shown here as Herakles (the lion's head is visible on the back of his head), the legendary ancestor of the Macedonian royal house. On the reverse, seated Zeus with an eagle perched on his right palm, beneath which can be seen a tripod, a symbol of the bond of hospitality: domain of Zeus. Zeus was an appropriate deity for Alexander to be associated with in his position as new leader of the Hellenic League. Zeus was also Herakles' father. The Greek reads, 'Alexandrou' (of Alexander). Diameter: 2.3cm
quantity
about Zeus
Zeus was king of the gods. He was the god of the sky, of thunder and the weather, oaths and promises, guests and hosts, and he was the protector of the family unit. His brothers were Poseidon, god of oceans and rivers, and Hades, god of the Underworld. His sisters were Demeter, goddess of the fertility of the earth, and Hestia, goddess of the hearth.
He was married to his third sister, Hera, with whom he had three legitimate offspring: Hephaistos, Hebe, and Ares.
His countless sexual indiscretions resulted in a vast and colourful array of other children, mortal and divine, including the gods Athena (his 'brainchild', literally), Apollo, Dionysos, Aphrodite and Artemis, the Muses, and Persephone.
Zeus is depicted with a rich beard, and often shown holding, or poised to cast, his signature thunderbolt.
more about this jewellery
It has been a privilege to work with the Vaphiadis family since 2007. They are one of the best manufacturers of sterling silver jewellery in Greece.
The collection is inspired by ancient Greek silver and gold coins, the art and jewellery of the Minoan civilisation, familiar symbolic motifs and images, and the animals that played a significant part in ancient Greek culture.
sad news about this collection
Due to the tragic, sudden death in early 2025 of Ioannis Vaphiadis, who made all this beautiful jewellery, the family's jewellery production has ceased.
This is all the remaining stock that I have. Ioannis was only in his late 50s, was such a lovely man and a dear friend.
I was so lucky to work closely with him for 19 years.If you already have a piece of his jewellery, cherish it.