Information on Socrates and Socrates cameos. Socrates, 470/69-399 BC, is credited as the father of modern Western philosophy. He was an Athenian citizen who devoted his life to philosophy but because he did not write anything, he is also an elusive historical figure. What we know about his life, his conversations, his beliefs (virtue in knowledge, self-awareness, etc), even his satyr-like looks, is from the subjective writings of his pupils Plato and Xenophon and the dramatist Aristophanes. Surviving classical portraits were probably rendered after his death. His image was worn by his followers and was later a popular subject in Roman, Renaissance and neo-Classical cameos whereby the wearer demonstrated his taste and refinement by his knowledge of ancient Greek culture. Reference: Bonhams

His method of enquiry was to enter into a penetrating discussion with his companions, questioning the nature of knowledge itself in pursuit of absolute truths. Socrates himself wrote nothing, but versions of his conversations are recorded in the written works of his pupils Plato and Xenophon. Socrates’ pursuit of true knowledge brought him into conflict with the piety laws of his native Athens, where his eventual prosecution led to enforced suicide by drinking hemlock. Reference: The British Museum

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Information on Alexander the Great cameos and intaglios. Alexander the Great was the ruler of Macedon 336 BC-323 BC. He conquered the Persian Empire (c.333 BC) and Egypt (332 BC) and extended the borders of his empire as far as India. He was known in Iran and India as Iskandar. Reference: The British Museum

Alexander the Great’s accomplishments and legacy have been depicted in many cultures. Alexander has figured in both high and popular culture beginning in his own era to the present day. The Alexander Romance, in particular, has had a significant impact on portrayals of Alexander in later cultures, from Persian to medieval European to modern Greek.

Alexander features prominently in modern Greek folklore, more so than any other ancient figure. The colloquial form of his name in modern Greek (“O Megalexandros”) is a household name, and he is the only ancient hero to appear in the Karagiozis shadow play. One well-known fable among Greek seamen involves a solitary mermaid who would grasp a ship’s prow during a storm and ask the captain “Is King Alexander alive?” The correct answer is “He is alive and well and rules the world!” causing the mermaid to vanish and the sea to calm. Any other answer would cause the mermaid to turn into a raging Gorgon who would drag the ship to the bottom of the sea, all hands aboard. Reference: Wikipedia

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