Hexagram of Constans II c. 654 - 659

Editor: Here we have a Hexagram of Constans II. It's a silver coin. It feels rough and worn, almost like a relic. What historical narratives do you think it whispers? Curator: Well, consider Constans II’s reign—a period of political turmoil and military campaigns. This coin, though small, served as a tool of power. How does it challenge or reinforce gender, race, or class dynamics within the Byzantine Empire? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it like that. Curator: Coins like these offer more than monetary value; they are imprinted with symbols and ideologies. The emperor’s image, the cross—they all project power and divine right. This piece can also be viewed through the lens of cultural appropriation and the manipulation of historical narratives. What new perspectives do you now appreciate? Editor: The layers of meaning are incredible!