Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Berytus? c. 323

Editor: Here we have a silver Tetradrachm, attributed to Alexander the Great. Looking at this coin, I’m struck by how such a small object could represent immense power and legacy. What stories do you think this coin tells us about cultural identity and power? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it’s a carefully constructed piece of propaganda. How does the imagery - Alexander depicted as Heracles, for instance - speak to the construction of a specific kind of Hellenistic identity and the deliberate association with mythical heroism to legitimize power? Editor: That's fascinating, I hadn't considered the deliberate act of identity-building. Curator: Exactly. The very act of mass-producing these coins throughout his empire disseminated his image and, by extension, his authority. How does this relate to contemporary methods of image control and self-representation in our digital age? Editor: This really shines a light on how power is communicated. I’ll never look at money the same way again! Curator: Precisely! By examining these historical artifacts, we gain critical insight into the ever-evolving dynamics of power, representation, and identity.