Drachm of Seleucus I c. 312

Curator: This silver drachm, made by Seleukos I, offers a glimpse into the visual language of power in the Hellenistic world. Editor: It feels surprisingly potent for something so small—the images are packed with symbolism. The elephant especially captures my attention. Curator: Indeed. The elephant was a powerful symbol in Seleucid iconography, representing Seleukos I's military victories in India and his control over vast territories. Editor: But also his identity, right? As a ruler bridging the Greek world and the East, the elephant underscores the hybridity of his reign. It’s a visual assertion of a new, syncretic empire. Curator: Precisely. And let's not forget the figure riding the elephant. It amplifies themes of power, dominance and the ambition to rule. Editor: Examining this coin prompts one to consider how symbols are strategically used to construct and communicate power in the ancient world. Curator: A tiny object, yet dense with historical and political meaning.