Relations with Egypt and the Mediterranean Area

The special relationship between Syracuse and Egypt focused on trading relations and significant political and cultural interaction, started in the 4th century BC and reached its peak under Hiero II, who adopted the Ptolemy kingdom as a model for his State. Even the lex hieronica was inspired by the Ptolemaic tax system. The coin portrait of Queen Philistides with a veiled head was inspired by those of Queens Arsinoe and Berenice II on Ptolemaic coins. The system of silver coin emission was also based on a Ptolemaic model. Close relationships in arts and religious influences emanated from the outstanding cultural city of Alexandria, where Archimedes and the Syracusan poet Theocritus spent long periods. These were extensively embraced by Sicily after crossing that Mediterranean Sea on which both powers kept a constant focus.

Model of a ship

Model of a ship

3rd century BC

Askos in the form of a Satyr

Askos in the form of a Satyr

End of the 3rd - beginning of the 2nd century BC

Screw

Screw

2013