Coin of Strato I (abd'Ashtart I), Sidon c. 4th century

Editor: Here we have a coin by Strato I, ruler of Sidon. I find it fascinating that something so small can tell us so much about the ancient world. What stands out to you? Curator: Well, consider the materials and the process. This wasn't just created; it was minted. Think of the labor involved, the extraction of metal, the craftsmanship. Each coin represents a unit of exchange, a tangible representation of power dynamics and trade. Editor: So, it's less about the images on the coin and more about what it represents in terms of social and economic structures? Curator: Exactly! It's about the materiality of power, the systems of production and consumption it fueled. Editor: That's a really interesting way to look at it; thanks for pointing that out. Curator: It’s a window into the past.