Ancient civilizations made coins that were used for buying and selling goods. Ancient Greece and ancient Roman cultures did this more than 2000 years ago. A learning target for students could be: Students design coins considering how ancient cultures did 2000 years ago.  Today we still use metal coins with things printed on them. This is an example of how ancient cultures contributed to our culture today.

 

You might begin by sharing a handful of coins used today by our country and other countries. Bring attention to the details of the coins (symbols, faces, sayings, dates, and places). You may follow this by showing students replicas or photos of ancient coins. Again bring attention to the details of the coins, any especially any differences between them. You may discuss why there  might be such differences.

 

Students are given the opportunity to design their own coins. You could ask students to sketch a design that includes some key details, such as a symbol, a saying, a date, and who printed the coin. After such a design, students could share them.

 

If you had the resources, this could be extended by allowing students to make a coin out of clay, or a substitute.

 

In the play, there is an exchange between a Greek shopkeeper and the children as they attempt to pay for their drinks. The Greek drachma was the currency in use. This exchange can give context to this discussion of currency.

 

John: May we have 3 cups of tea with honey please?

Shopkeeper 1: That will be 1 drachma.

Sarah: One dollar?

Shopkeeper 1: That will be 1 drachma. (with a firm voice)

Sarah: We don’t have a drockmom. We can pay you a dollar…here. (Sarah hands over a dollar bill. The shopkeeper inspects it very carefully, then yells to the neighboring shopkeepers.) 

Shopkeeper 1: Come see their money. (pausing to inspect it) Have you ever seen money like this? (Pause)This is so unusual. Where are these children from? They are either barbarians or they are Gods.