Coin of Tiberius II c. 580 - 581

Curator: What a stark piece. It feels weighty, almost burdened by its own history. Editor: This is a coin minted under Tiberius II, a Byzantine Emperor in the 6th century. He ruled during a period of intense social upheaval. Curator: The imperial figure is so stylized. What symbolic language was being deployed here, what exactly was Tiberius trying to communicate about his power? Editor: The image of a fortified city gate on the reverse is evocative. These symbols were a direct appeal to his base, promising military strength and the protection of key cities. Curator: It’s fascinating how the visual vocabulary of power shifts over time, yet these core anxieties remain constant. This object is a small window into those complex forces. Editor: Indeed, contemplating its age and purpose provides a potent reminder of the continuities of culture and the enduring desire for security.