Coin of Herakleios c. 613 - 616

Editor: This is a bronze coin of Herakleios, crafted by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyads. It feels like a relic, whispering tales of empires. What symbols stand out to you? Curator: Note the figure on one side, reminiscent of Byzantine imperial iconography, and the Arabic inscription on the other. The coin becomes a fascinating point of cultural intersection, mirroring the shift in power and faith. What does this visual dialogue evoke in you? Editor: I see a deliberate transition. It's not a clean break, but a layered statement. Curator: Exactly. This layered approach tells us much about how new rulers negotiate power and legitimacy through familiar visual languages. A powerful reminder of how symbols adapt to new contexts. Editor: That makes me see the piece in a completely new light. Thanks!