ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Greek coinage of Italy and Sicily

Greek people used to live in many parts of the world a long time ago, including Italy and Sicily. They used special round metal pieces called coins to buy things they needed, just like we use money today.

The Greeks in Italy and Sicily made their own unique coins with pictures and markings on them. These pictures and markings were special to the places they were made in, like a logo for a company. They wanted people to know where the coins came from and to be able to tell the difference between their coins and others.

Some of the pictures and markings on the coins showed important people or gods from Greek mythology. Others showed symbols that were important to the people who lived in the area. For example, coins made in Syracuse, Sicily had a picture of a gorgon (a scary-looking creature with snakes for hair). This was because the people of Syracuse believed that the gorgon brought them good luck and protected them from enemies.

Many of these coins were made from silver, which was a precious metal that people valued a lot. Some coins were made from gold, which was even more valuable. People would trade these coins for goods like food, clothing, and other things they needed to live. The Greek coins of Italy and Sicily were an important part of their economy and a way for people to show pride in their city or region.