Drachm of Mithradates II of Parthia, Rhagai c. 123 - 188

Editor: This is a Drachm of Mithradates II of Parthia. Looking at this coin, I'm struck by how much information they managed to fit onto such a small surface. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, this coin isn’t just currency; it's a carefully constructed piece of propaganda. Consider the portrait of Mithradates II: the elaborate diadem and dignified profile are designed to project power and legitimacy. How do you think this imagery functioned in relation to the Parthian Empire's interactions with other cultures, like the Greeks or Romans? Editor: It's interesting that you call it propaganda. I guess I never thought about coins being used that way, but it makes perfect sense. It seems to be communicating an image of a powerful leader. Curator: Precisely. And the inscriptions, while potentially cryptic to us now, would have conveyed specific messages about Mithradates’s reign and Parthian identity to its contemporary audience. This reinforces how objects, even seemingly mundane ones, can be powerful tools in shaping public perception and solidifying political control. Editor: I see that it offers a window into the political and cultural landscape of the Parthian Empire. I learned a lot. Curator: And I hope you'll continue to think about how art can be used to shape the narrative.