Double prutot of Herod I, the Great c. 40 - 44

Curator: This fascinating artifact is a double prutot of Herod I, known as Herod the Great, a coin that offers insight into the socio-political landscape of its time. Editor: Immediately, I am struck by its weathered appearance—the texture speaks volumes about the hands it must have passed through. Curator: Indeed, this coin, likely minted during Herod's reign, provides a tangible connection to his efforts to consolidate power through economic means. Editor: Seeing it now, I consider how such coins also mirror the intersectional experiences of the people under Herod’s rule—their daily lives intertwined with these symbols of governance and exchange. Curator: Precisely. The imagery and weight of the coin held symbolic weight, conveying messages about Roman influence and Herod's own authority. Editor: It's striking to imagine how it could be used to examine issues of identity, power, and resistance in the context of ancient Judea. Curator: Consider the lasting resonance of such seemingly small objects within the grand narratives of history. Editor: Absolutely, it's a powerful reminder that even the most minute artifacts carry the weight of complex human stories.