Coin of Antiochos III, the Great of Syria, Ecbatana c. 223

Editor: We’re looking at a coin of Antiochos III, the Great of Syria. It's undated, but must be from his reign. It’s tarnished, a dull metallic green. What visual stories do you think it holds? Curator: A coin transcends its monetary value, becoming a powerful symbol of a ruler's authority and the empire's ideology. What imagery do you notice? Editor: On one side there's a horned animal, maybe a bull? The other side has a figure, though it's hard to make out details. Curator: The bull, often associated with power and fertility, might allude to the kingdom's prosperity under Antiochos. The king's portrait connects the ruler to divine status. What emotions are evoked when you hold such an object? Editor: It's a direct connection to the past. I never thought of coins as propaganda before. Curator: Indeed! Visual symbols were carefully chosen to project strength, legitimacy, and cultural identity, shaping perceptions and reinforcing power structures.