06-29-2009, 10:45 PM
Much is made regarding the silver strike at Laureion and its effects on the Athenians. With such a windfall the Athenians were able to build and furnish 200 ships in less than 3 years time in order to meet the coming Persian threat. I am curious if there has been scholarship regarding these mines. How much silver did the Athenians manage to take from these mines? 10 talents? 100 talents? 1000 talents (I've read a "talent" is roughly equal to 34kg or 75 U.S. lbs)? How long were these mines profitable? Any thoughts?
Michael D. Hafer [aka Mythos Ruler, aka eX | Vesper]
In peace men bury their fathers. In war men bury their sons.
In peace men bury their fathers. In war men bury their sons.
