Coin of Herakleios c. 612 - 613

Curator: This is a coin of Herakleios, though crafted later by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyad Caliphate. What strikes you about it? Editor: The patina is extraordinary, isn't it? It speaks of the very processes of corrosion and time—a palimpsest of material changes reflecting the sweep of history. Curator: Indeed. We see a figure, likely Herakleios, but observe how it's been re-contextualized. The iconography blends Byzantine and emerging Islamic symbols. Editor: The cross atop the figure is very prominent, a clear visual reference despite the changing power dynamics. But it is interesting how the new ruler appropriates and adapts rather than purely erases existing visual cues. Curator: A pragmatic approach. Abd-al-Malik cleverly uses established imagery to ease the transition of power, while simultaneously signaling a shift through subtle alterations. Editor: Ultimately, it reflects the evolving materiality of power itself, doesn't it? The coin, in its very substance, becomes a stage for cultural negotiation. Curator: It's a potent reminder that even the smallest objects can carry immense historical weight, and reveal a lot about how power can be adapted and redefined. Editor: A tangible piece of history that quietly speaks volumes about a moment of profound transformation.