Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Babylon c. 323

Editor: This is a silver Tetradrachm, a coin depicting Alexander the Great, likely minted in Babylon. There's something haunting about seeing his image pressed onto this small, aged object. What symbols stand out to you? Curator: The hero’s youthful face, adorned with the horns of Ammon, visually links Alexander to divinity. Consider, too, the seated Zeus on the reverse, holding an eagle. This isn't just currency; it’s a claim to power, a potent blend of Greek and Near Eastern symbols meant to project an image of invincibility and divine favor. How might this coin shape perceptions of Alexander even today? Editor: It's fascinating how potent these symbols were, and how they continue to shape our understanding of him. Curator: Exactly. The coin shows how symbols create lasting cultural memory.