Eight prutot of Herod I, the Great c. 40 - 44

Editor: Here we have “Eight prutot of Herod I, the Great,” made by Herod the Great himself. It looks so old and weathered. What symbols do you see, and what might they represent? Curator: The anchor and the ship’s prow speak volumes. These aren't merely maritime images; they resonate with themes of hope, stability, and passage. In Herod's time, what might a ship represent? Editor: Maybe prosperity through trade or a connection to other lands? Curator: Precisely. These symbols broadcast Herod’s vision: a kingdom anchored in tradition yet open to the world. The cultural memory embedded in these tiny coins is profound. Editor: It’s amazing to think how much meaning could be packed into something so small. I'll definitely think about symbols differently now.