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

Editor: This is a coin of Antiochos IV Epiphanes of Syria. It's worn, but I can still make out the figure of a god. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about power and cultural imposition. Antiochos IV adopted the epithet "Epiphanes," meaning "God Manifest," signaling a Hellenistic ruler’s claim to divinity and solidifying his authority. The depiction of a Greek deity is also critical. Editor: Critical in what way? Curator: Antiochos attempted to Hellenize Judea, leading to significant religious and political resistance. This coin isn’t just currency; it’s a symbol of cultural conflict and imperial ambition, reflecting the tensions of identity and resistance. What do you think it meant to the Jewish people at the time? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way before. It is more than just a coin. Thanks! Curator: It’s a reminder that art is rarely neutral; it can be a powerful tool in shaping narratives and asserting dominance.