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

Editor: This is a coin of Antiochos I Soter of Syria, from Antioch. It's small and worn, but it looks like there are figures and inscriptions on both sides. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Coins like this are powerful tools of representation. Who gets to be on them, and how? Antiochos, as a Seleucid ruler, is consciously connecting himself to a Hellenistic lineage, but also grappling with local Syrian identities. What does it mean to claim power through these combined visual languages? Editor: So, it's not just money, but a statement? Curator: Exactly! It speaks volumes about the cultural negotiations happening in this region at the time. The imagery and inscription are deliberate choices meant to project authority and connect with different groups of people. Editor: I never thought about a coin carrying so much weight. Curator: It's a reminder that even the smallest objects can reveal complex power dynamics and cultural exchanges.