Coin of Ptolemy II, Alexandria c. 275

Editor: Here we have a coin of Ptolemy II from Alexandria. The weathered bronze shows the ruler on one side and what appears to be an eagle on the other. What statements about power and culture do you see reflected in this tiny object? Curator: It's a powerful object, isn't it? Consider how Ptolemy II, as a Greek ruler in Egypt, strategically used symbols like the eagle – often associated with Zeus – to legitimize his reign and blend Greek and Egyptian cultural identities. Editor: So, it's about crafting an image for his people? Curator: Precisely. By appropriating and adapting existing symbols, Ptolemy II negotiated a complex cultural landscape, asserting his authority while appealing to diverse populations. It makes you wonder who was left out of that image. Editor: That’s a great point. It’s amazing to think about the weight of history packed into a single coin. Curator: Indeed, it speaks volumes about the calculated construction of identity and power.