Greek archaeologists have discovered a small but interesting hoard of coins on the hill of Kasteli in the old town of Chania, Crete.
The hoard consists of 37 coins dating from 300 to 270 BC, including 11 Alexander the Great gold coins, minted posthumously or during his lifetime. They are undoubtedly the possessions of an ancient Cretan mercenary who served in the army of one of Alexander the Great's successors.
In addition to the gold staters, each of which represents a month's salary, the hoard also includes a Corinthian tetradrachm, 15 coins from Olympia, a Cyrenian coin, and even a small local coin.
It is likely that the Cretan mercenary died far from home on a campaign in Asia, fighting for either a Seleucid or a Ptolemaic king.
Source: Ministry of Culture, January 25, 2024
