Tetradrachm of Antiochos VII Eurgetes of Syria c. 138

Curator: This is a tetradrachm of Antiochos VII Eurgetes of Syria, a silver coin now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels surprisingly intimate for something that once held so much economic and political power. The wear gives it a sense of history lived. Curator: Precisely. These coins were not merely currency but tools of royal propaganda. The portrait on one side is a carefully crafted image of Antiochos himself. Editor: And the eagle on the reverse? It’s interesting how these symbols are deployed, then re-deployed, throughout history to imply power, divinity, and legitimacy. Curator: Yes, the eagle was associated with Zeus and thus lent Antiochos divine backing. The deliberate creation of a ruler's image and messaging through accessible objects like coinage offers insight into ancient power structures and societal values. Editor: Seeing it this way, it’s less a simple coin and more a concentrated dose of political and cultural messaging. Curator: Exactly. Studying these objects allows us to better understand the mechanisms of power and identity in the Hellenistic world. Editor: Indeed, it's a small object carrying immense weight.