Coin of Antiochos IV Epiphanes of Syria, Nisibis c. 175

Editor: This is a bronze coin of Antiochos IV Epiphanes of Syria, a ruler from ancient times. It feels like a tangible connection to the past. What symbolic weight does this small object carry? Curator: Consider the radiating crown on Antiochos. It echoes solar deities, aligning the ruler with divine power. The figure on the reverse, likely a goddess, reinforces this connection to a sacred order. What memories and beliefs did these symbols evoke for those who used this coin? Editor: So, the coin isn’t just currency, it’s propaganda? Curator: Precisely. It’s a carefully crafted image designed to communicate power and legitimacy. Each element, from the ruler’s portrait to the divine figure, contributes to a visual narrative that shaped perceptions and reinforced the ruler's authority. Editor: It’s fascinating how much meaning can be packed into something so small! Curator: Indeed. A coin like this offers a glimpse into the cultural and psychological landscape of a bygone era.