Prutah of Alexander Jannaeus, Jerusalem c. 103 - 176

Curator: This little coin, a prutah, was crafted in Jerusalem during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus. It feels weighty in its history, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely, it's humble, yet it speaks volumes. I see an artifact deeply embedded in power dynamics, considering Jannaeus's controversial rule. Curator: Controversial indeed! He was both a king and a high priest, which caused quite the stir. I like to think about who held this coin, what they bought with it. Maybe a loaf of bread? Editor: More likely, it represents the economic foundation upon which Jannaeus consolidated his power, often through violent means. Who benefited from this currency? Curator: True, its existence highlights his authority. Still, I can't help but feel a connection to the everyday lives it touched. A tangible link to the past. Editor: I suppose it is a reminder that even small objects can tell complex stories about inequality and authority. It's a material witness to a turbulent era. Curator: It invites contemplation. I find myself wondering about the coin's travels, the secrets it holds. Editor: And what it silently reveals about the structures of power it once supported.