History
Minted in Cairo: Documenting the history of Cairo through coins
Can a small coin encapsulate the history of an entire empire? In his new book, "Mined in Cairo," published by Dar Al-Maaref, researcher Mohamed Abdel Hamid takes us on a research journey to prove that coins were not merely a means of purchase, but rather a "news ticker" documenting the events of Cairo since the early Islamic era. The book, "Mined in Cairo: Coins and History," by researcher Mohamed Abdel Hamid…
March 8, 2026Tabora gold, the German currency minted in the jungles of Africa
In the late 19th century, Germany aggressively pursued its ambitions to rival the major colonial powers, seeking to secure raw materials and resources to fuel its burgeoning industry. To this end, it extended its influence over the Great Lakes region of East Africa (which today includes Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and parts of Mozambique), sometimes under the guise of humanitarian concerns such as combating the slave trade, and at other times under the pretext of economic interests.
March 3, 2026The coin of the assassination of Julius Caesar
On March 15, 44 BC, Rome was shaken to its core by an event that changed the course of human history: the death of Julius Caesar. This brilliant military leader, born in 100 BC, who extended Rome's influence from Gaul to Britain, could not have foreseen that his greatest victories would lead to his dramatic end. His ambition led to his assassination after his triumph over…
March 3, 2026Beach of Sorrows: In the Time of the Hyksos
Episode Two (During the Hyksos Period) “And then Sharuhen was besieged for three years, then His Majesty plundered it.” Ahmose son of Ibana. The Hyksos: Origin and Political Identity. As we saw in the first episode of Shore of Sorrows about the history of Gaza during the Early Bronze Age, today we move to the Middle Bronze Age, but first we must take a look at the dramatic events that took place before…
February 26, 2026Sale of the Danish West Indies
In a previous post, we posed a question about a currency from the Danish West Indies and its connection to Greenland and the United States. In today's post, we'll recount an interesting chapter of history—a chapter that will help us better understand the present and Trump's claims to annex Greenland, which is under Danish control. Let's begin with the West Indies... The West Indies: An Economic Resource…
February 20, 2026The most beautiful and last French gold coins
The 100-franc gold coin designed by Lucien Bazur is the last French gold coin and one of the most magnificent coins ever minted. It also has a fascinating story, which we will attempt to summarize in this article. After World War I, many countries, including France, faced significant economic challenges. The war had depleted national gold reserves…
February 20, 2026Personal union in history
We have all heard of instances where two or more countries unite, voluntarily or by force, to form a single state. Personal unions have occurred in our modern Arab history; for example, Syria and Egypt entered into a merger in 1958, forming the United Arab Republic. Our article today discusses another form of this union, one usually associated with a monarchical system of government, and whose core element is…
February 20, 2026British East India Company
The Founding of the Company and its Military Influence: Today we will learn about the company that minted coins in its name and possessed an army larger than that of the country it came from. It is the East India Company. Often referred to as the EIC, the East India Company was a British trading company founded in 1600. The East India Company played a crucial role in the history of trade, colonialism, and the global economy.
February 20, 2026Commemorative foundation coins: treasures buried beneath parliaments
While most coins are made for circulation and exchange among people, some coins are minted so that people never use them, or even see them. They are buried as soon as they are made and disappear from sight. In today's article, we will learn about a special category of commemorative coins called foundation coins (foundations of buildings) buried beneath the floors of parliaments, cathedrals, and palaces around the world…
February 20, 2026The Black Stone of Homs: A God's Journey from Homs to Rome
The Black Stone of Homs: The Syrian city of Homs is known in popular memory as the City of Black Stones, or the Mother of Black Stones, due to the abundance of dark basalt volcanic rocks that surround the city and have been part of its architecture for centuries. However, Homs was historically known for one particular black stone, a stone that was not merely an element of nature, but a center of worship…
February 20, 2026The Beach of Sorrows (Gaza): Laughter and Tears Amidst the Rubble of History
Episode One (Beginnings): I yearn for the land of Gaza… even if my silence betrays me after our separation. May God bless a land whose soil, if I could but possess it… I would use to adorn my eyes with it, so intense is my longing. Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i. I pondered a title for a series of articles exploring the ancient history of Gaza, and I found myself choosing "The Shore of Sorrows," a title that, unfortunately, applies to both the past and the present.
February 12, 2026Monetary History
“Explore monetary history as a tool for understanding the development of states and sovereignty. The article deals with the stages of transition from barter to metal and paper money, and the role of central banks in shaping modern monetary systems, with a special focus on the Arab context.”
February 10, 2026Jalba: The stern general who defied fate and for whom Nile coins were minted
In 68 AD, the Roman Empire was seething under Nero, who had become universally despised. In the heart of Spain, Galba, the stern-faced old general, watched Rome's collapse with strategic coolness. He was not an ambitious youngster, but a seasoned warrior who had served in every corner of the empire, from Germany to Africa. When Nero committed suicide, he opened the way…
May 28, 2025The Urine Tax: The Story of Vespasian and the Strangest Tax in Roman History
Can money have a smell? Vespasian says (Pecunia non olet). In the heart of Roman history, specifically in 69 AD, one of the strangest taxes ever appeared: the urine tax! It may seem bizarre, but behind this tax lies a fascinating political and economic story, spearheaded by the Roman Emperor Vespasian, the man who uttered his famous phrase: “Pecunia non olet,“…
May 24, 2025The hobby of collecting coins and artifacts
Is coin collecting a hobby considered a crime under the antiquities law? This article does not reflect the opinion of the Arab collector, but only the personal opinion of the writer. About 20 years ago, when I decided to emigrate, some esteemed friends warned me not to try to leave Egypt with any currency older than 100 years, otherwise I would face legal consequences…
April 19, 2025Mamluk coinage between the deposition of the sultan and the rule of the caliph
The Abbasid caliphs in Cairo held virtually no real power. They were called Commander of the Faithful, their names were inscribed on coins in prayers from the pulpits, and everything else rested with the sultan, including the power to depose and appoint the caliphs themselves. There was only one unique case worthy of careful consideration, even though it lasted only seven months and was a product of chance and the work of…
April 18, 2025The hobby of collecting wristwatches
Wristwatches: A Long History and Illustrious Names. Collecting wristwatches is a passion shared by many around the world for centuries. This hobby is not simply about owning a timepiece; it transcends that to become a symbol of refined taste, history, and cutting-edge technology. Over time, wristwatches have become an essential part of fashion and personality, and sometimes represent a long-term investment.
October 7, 2024Cleopatra, Queen of Kings
The coin depicts a profile of Queen Cleopatra VII. In the autumn of 34 BC, Alexandria was about to witness a grand celebration and an even greater event. Mark Antony, the Roman governor of the East, had come to Alexandria to meet his wife, Queen Cleopatra VII, and celebrate with her and their children his victories in the Armenian campaign…
June 14, 2024Assassin coins
Over a year ago, I wrote an article about the coins of the Assassins, but I didn't publish it because there was one particular dinar for which I searched extensively for a clear image but couldn't find one. I could have made do with the poor-quality image I had, in addition to images of the other common dinars, but fortunately, I preferred to postpone the article until a clear image appeared. Now I remember…
March 15, 2024The Fatimids went during Ramadan
Very few Islamic coins bear a minting date that includes the Arabic month as well as the year. If we look at the Fatimid coinage of the Fatimid state, we find a very limited number of issues inscribed with the month alongside the year. It is highly likely that these issues are linked to historical events or religious occasions, and we must attempt to deduce these events and occasions…
March 11, 2024