Copper Assarion of Andronikos II c. 1282 - 1328

Editor: Here we have a Copper Assarion by Andronikos II. It's a very small coin, and it looks quite worn. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: This coin is more than just currency; it's a powerful symbol of Byzantine authority and its complex relationship with its citizenry. Consider who benefits from the state projecting this image? How might this coin be viewed by those marginalized by the emperor's rule? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. So, even something as simple as a coin can tell a story about power and inequality? Curator: Absolutely. By examining the symbols and context, we can unpack the narratives of domination and resistance embedded within seemingly mundane objects. It's about seeing beyond the surface. Editor: I will never look at a coin the same way again. Thank you!