Last week, our 6th grade Humanities students had an incredible opportunity to connect with history in a hands-on way. Thanks to a special visit from Professor Giovanni Ruffini of Fairfield University, students were able to explore authentic coins from Ancient Greece and Rome!

Students had the rare chance to hold real ancient coins from different periods and learn how currency shaped daily life in ancient civilizations. Through examining these coins, they gained a deeper understanding of the role money played—not only as a means of exchange but also as a way to validate authenticity and value. For example, students discovered that ancient merchants often tested coins by cutting into them (second image) to verify their quality.

In addition to the hands-on experience, students were captivated by Professor Ruffini’s stories of his archaeological excavations in Egypt. His firsthand accounts brought the ancient world to life and sparked curiosity and excitement among our young historians.

We are grateful to Professor Ruffini for sharing his expertise and inspiring our students to see history through a new and fascinating lens!