Asper of Alexios II of Trebizond c. 1297 - 1330

Editor: This is the "Asper of Alexios II of Trebizond." It's quite small, made of what looks like silver, and shows imagery on both sides. What do you see in these symbols? Curator: It’s fascinating how such a tiny object carries so much weight! Notice the figure on horseback. This wasn't just about depicting a ruler; the horse itself is a potent symbol of power, nobility, and conquest, rooted in centuries of cultural memory. Editor: I see it now! The horse embodies the cultural values of the time. Curator: Precisely! The image becomes a shorthand for ideals and aspirations. Currency wasn't just money; it was a portable piece of propaganda, reinforcing the ruler's authority through enduring symbols. What do you make of that? Editor: It makes me think about how even everyday objects reflect powerful ideas and history! Curator: Exactly! We can truly understand the past by examining these symbols.