Coin (AE3) of Theodosius II, Antioch 401 - 403

Curator: Here we have an AE3 coin of Theodosius II, minted in Antioch. Editor: There's a stark simplicity here; the wear and patina speak volumes about circulation and handling. Curator: Absolutely. This coin, likely from the 5th century, represents more than just currency; it’s a cultural artifact reflecting the power dynamics of the Byzantine Empire and the emperor's image. It speaks to the socio-political systems and trade networks of the time. Editor: And to the labor of its creation. The materiality of the bronze, the die-striking technique – these are all material and social processes. Curator: Indeed, and when we consider Antioch as a site of its production, we understand its intersectional placement geographically between Europe and the East. Editor: It's amazing to consider how much information such a small, humble object can hold. Curator: Precisely, it invites us to interrogate larger questions about identity, authority, and the enduring nature of symbolic representation.