Coin of Mithradates VI, Amisos (Pontos) c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Mithradates VI, from Amisos in Pontos. It looks so worn, yet still carries the weight of history. What stories do you see etched in its surface? Curator: This coin is more than currency; it's a declaration of power and identity in a region undergoing Roman expansion. Mithradates VI strategically used coinage to broadcast his image, linking himself to both Greek and Persian traditions. Editor: Fascinating! Was this coin a form of resistance? Curator: Precisely. By invoking powerful symbols, Mithradates challenged Roman dominance and asserted his own cultural legitimacy. It is a potent statement against cultural erasure. Editor: That gives the coin a whole new dimension! I hadn't considered its political implications. Curator: Exactly! It reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can be powerful tools for resistance and cultural preservation.