Drachma

5th century BCE Greek drachmae

Drachma (pl. drachmae) was the main currency used in Ancient Greece and in Ptolemaic Egypt.

History

5th century BCE

A bag of Attikan drachmae in the 5th century BCE

During the 5th century BCE the drachma was the agreed currency recognized and used throughout Greece, stamped with the eagle of the god Zeus, whether for services or materials or steeds. Notably, Sparta eschewed the use of drachmae, in order to discourage the hoarding of wealth.

1st century BCE

In the 1st century BCE, under the rule of the Greek pharaoh Ptolemy XIII, Egypt had also adopted the use of drachmae. The Medjay Bayek of Siwa, who went on to found the Hidden Ones together with his wife Aya, could buy anything from gear to steeds with and exchange animal goods for drachmae.

Modern times

Although undergoing changes throughout the centuries, drachmae remained the national currency of Greece until 2001 when it was replaced by the euro.

Behind the scenes

In Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, the description of the drachmae mentions that the currency was stamped with the image of an eagle. Despite this, the icon for the currency features a stylized lightning bolt of Zeus, a motive commonly found in Elean coins. In the game itself, the drachmae seen in chests, pouches, and scattered around are stamped with an owl and the head of the Greek goddess Athena.

Gallery

• 
  A pouch of drachmae used in 5th century BCE Greece
• 
  Drachmae used in the Ptolemaic Kingdom
• 
  Tetradrachm of Ptolemy XIII
• 
  Coin bearing the image of Cleopatra, and an eagle on a lightning bolt on the obverse
• 
  Tetradrachm of Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Origins – Desert Oath (first mentioned)
• Assassin's Creed: Origins (first appearance)
• Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt
• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
• Assassin's Creed: Nexus VR (mentioned in Database entry only)