Trachy Type B of Theodore I, Nicaea c. 1205 - 1221

Editor: This is a Byzantine Trachy coin, specifically Trachy Type B of Theodore I from Nicaea. I find it fascinating how something so small can tell such a big story. What historical narratives do you see embedded within it? Curator: Given the state’s control over coinage, this isn't just currency, it's propaganda. Considering the historical context, what narratives about power, legitimacy, and even religious identity might the ruler have been trying to project during a tumultuous period? What kind of statement does it make? Editor: So it was used to declare power and religious authority? Curator: Precisely. Coinage provides a tangible link to understanding how rulers sought to shape public perception and consolidate their power. These coins are a declaration, a small but weighty assertion of identity and authority in a shifting world. Editor: That really changes how I see this coin. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! It's important to remember that even the smallest objects can speak volumes about the societies that created them.