Coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 317

Curator: Here we have a coin minted by Agathokles, the tyrant of Syracuse. It’s an unassuming object, isn’t it? Editor: Yes, at first glance. The worn metal and blurred images, however, evoke the passage of time and the weight of history. Curator: Absolutely. This coin, likely of silver or bronze, would have been a fundamental tool for trade and control. Its production speaks to the economic systems of the time. Editor: And to power. Agathokles's portrait is a clear claim of authority, intended for circulation and thus widespread recognition and, perhaps, obedience. One side depicts a figure that may be the goddess Arethusa. Curator: The act of placing his image on currency suggests a direct link between the ruler's image and the economic stability of the state. Editor: Such a simple object offers so much insight into the social dynamics of ancient Syracuse. The coin becomes a silent witness to the power struggles and daily life of the era. Curator: Indeed, focusing on this one object reveals a dense layering of production, consumption, and, ultimately, of a ruler’s propaganda. Editor: It reminds us that even the smallest objects can reveal larger narratives about identity, power, and the human condition.