Drachm of Orodes II of Parthia, Ecbatana 57 BCE-38 BCE

Curator: This is a Drachm of Orodes II of Parthia, likely minted in Ecbatana. It weighs just under four grams. Editor: It feels incredibly weighty, doesn't it? All that history pressed into such a small, unassuming object. The king’s profile seems severe, almost burdened. Curator: The image of Orodes II was certainly intended to project power and authority. Coins like this were important tools in consolidating his rule. Editor: Absolutely, and the symbolism on the reverse, though worn, hints at the religious and cultural influences at play in Parthia at the time. Curator: Precisely, images on coins provided an important cultural and political message. Editor: Examining these objects offers a fascinating glimpse into how rulers crafted their public images and how empires communicated with their people. Curator: Yes, it’s a window into the past, revealing political and social dynamics.