Coin of Antiochos I Soter of Syria, Edessa c. 281

Editor: This is a coin of Antiochos I Soter of Syria, found in Edessa. The wear on it is incredible, like it's carrying centuries of stories. What stands out to you? Curator: The elephant and the thunderbolt! The elephant, a symbol of power and the exotic East, while the thunderbolt represents Zeus, linking Antiochos to divine authority and Hellenistic rule. What do these symbols tell us about his aspirations? Editor: So it’s about linking himself to both earthly power and the gods? Curator: Precisely. These images weren't just decoration; they were carefully chosen to project an image of strength and legitimacy across his kingdom. Consider how potent such symbols would have been in shaping public perception. Editor: I never thought about how much a tiny coin could communicate. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. These coins offer a glimpse into the complex dance between power, belief, and cultural memory.