The drachma was the currency of ancient Greece, used for centuries before being replaced by the euro in 2002. Its name comes from the Greek word "drakhma," which means "a handful." The drachma was often made of silver and was used in various denominations, making it a vital part of trade and commerce in ancient Greek city-states. In modern times, the Greek drachma was reintroduced as the official currency of Greece in 1822 after gaining independence. It underwent several changes and reforms until it was ultimately replaced by the euro as part of Greece's integration into the European Union.