Monthly Archives: July 2024

  1. The Last King of Macedon

    The Last King of Macedon

    Coming to Power

    Perseus of Macedon rose to power during a turbulent era and became the last king of Macedon. Born around 212 BC, he was the eldest son of Philip V. Macedon. Under Philip's rule, he faced continuous pressure and conflict from Rome, which sought to expand its influence in the region. Despite the challenges, Perseus was groomed for leadership from a young age, learning the arts of war and governance.

    Philip V had initially favored Perseus's younger brother, Demetrius, due to his diplomatic ties with Rome. Demetrius was sent to Rome as a hostage in 197 BC and developed favorable relations with the Romans. This caused tension between the brothers, as Roman influence was increasingly viewed with suspicion by the Macedonian court. Perseus, wary of Rome’s intentions and protective of Macedonian sovereignty, saw his brother as both a political and personal t

    Read more »
  2. The Historic 1715 Fleet Shipwreck

    The Historic 1715 Fleet Shipwreck

    The historic 1715 Fleet Shipwreck holds legendary status among maritime disasters. This catastrophe occurred on the eastern coast of Florida on July 31, 1715, when Spanish ships laden with treasure met their end.

    The Fleet's Departure

    The Spanish fleet set sail from Havana, Cuba, aiming to return to Spain. Altogether, the ships carried a vast fortune of gold, silver, and precious gems. In fact, the treasure's estimated worth was millions of pesos, and the ships formed a crucial part of Spain's colonial wealth.

    The Storm That Changed History

    A violent hurricane struck the fleet off the coast of Florida without warning. The ships struggled against fierce winds and waves, but the fleet

    Read more »
  3. The Remarkable Gold Bar Faceplate

    The Remarkable Gold Bar Faceplate

    Introduction

    The SS Central America, also known as the "Ship of Gold," sank in 1857. The shipwreck carried massive gold lost during the California Gold Rush. Additionally, large Kellogg & Humbert gold ingots were among the treasures recovered. Obviously, these large gold bars were so big that they would cost over a half-million dollars based on the gold content alone. Therefore, the remarkable gold bar faceplate weighing 17 ounces was cut off to be more affordable. The original gold bar, produced by Kellogg and Humbert, weighed over 239 ounces.

    The SS Central America Shipwreck

    The SS Central America sank in a hurricane off the coast of the Carolinas. The ship was en route from Panama to New

    Read more »