Coin of Ariobarzanes I 

Curator: This is a coin of Ariobarzanes I, presently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Looking at it, what’s your initial impression? Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by its aged quality and the damage to the coin. It feels almost like a ruin, whispering tales of power and endurance. Curator: Indeed. The figure of Ariobarzanes is a carefully constructed symbol, projecting authority, meant to circulate and reinforce his position. Editor: And that's precisely the point. The coin's existence and distribution underscore how ancient rulers, like Ariobarzanes I, utilized images to perpetuate political ideology and solidify hierarchical power structures. It speaks volumes about the careful construction of historical narratives. Curator: It is a powerful reminder how even the smallest objects can carry enormous cultural and psychological weight. Editor: Absolutely. It also invites us to consider how the legacy of power depicted on this coin resonates with contemporary sociopolitical issues. Curator: A lot to consider, given its small size. Editor: Exactly. It's a tangible link to the past that invites critical engagement with the present.