Coin of Antiochos VII Eurgetes of Syria, Byblos c. 2th century

Editor: This is a coin of Antiochos VII Eurgetes of Syria, from Byblos. It looks quite worn, but still holds its form. What meaning can we still draw from such a small, aged object? Curator: Consider how a coin fuses power, identity, and daily life. What stories do you think the imagery whispers about Antiochos' reign? Editor: I see a figure and perhaps an eagle. Were these common symbols of power? Curator: Absolutely. The figure embodies leadership and authority, while the eagle symbolizes divine favor and imperial reach. Coins like these were not merely currency, but portable propaganda. Can you imagine the impact of circulating these symbols? Editor: It's like a mini-billboard! I never thought of coins as carrying so much cultural weight. Curator: Indeed. Even in their worn state, they reveal echoes of a ruler's ambition and the enduring power of symbols.