Orichalcum

• Orichalcum was the Roman word for Brass.
• The Sestertius Roman Coin was made from Orichalcum after 23 BCE.

In Literature

• Hesiod (c.750-c.650 BCE)
  • Orichalcum is mentioned by Hesiod in a poem dating c. 630 BCE.

• Plato (c.424-347 BCE)
  • Orichalcum was also mentioned by Plato in the Critias, whilst describing Atlantis.
  • Plato says it was the second most valuable metal after Gold, and that there were many Orichalcum Mines in Atlantis.
  • In Atlantis, Plato described the interior walls, pillars and floors of the Temple of Poseidon and Cleito, as being coated in Orichalcum. The Temple roof was a combination of Gold, Silver and Orichalcum. The Temple had three walls, the inner wall covered in Brass, the middle wall in Tin, and the outer wall in Orichalcum.
  • In the centre of the Temple there was a Pillar of solid Orichalcum on which was inscribed the Laws of Poseidon.

• Josephus (c.37-100 CE)
  • Josephus mentions the vessels in the Temple of Solomon being made of Orichalcum.