Coin of Herakleios c. 613 - 629

Editor: So, this is a gold coin of Herakleios, created by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyads. It seems like a small, everyday object, but with significant imagery on it. What can you tell me about its meaning? Curator: This coin provides a fascinating glimpse into the negotiation of power through visual culture. The coin initially emulated Byzantine coinage, but its evolution reflects the rising Umayyad Caliphate asserting its dominance. How do you see that manifested here? Editor: Well, the images of rulers, and then the cross… it's all about power and legitimacy, right? Curator: Exactly. The choice to adapt existing visual languages and then gradually replace them with Islamic symbols speaks volumes about the shifting socio-political landscape and the public role of art. A coin is not just money; it's a statement. Editor: I see, it's like a visual battle for control! Thanks, that makes so much sense. Curator: Indeed. Analyzing these shifts helps us understand the complexities of cultural interaction and the politics embedded in even the smallest of objects.