Coin of Demetrios II, Antioch c. 146

Curator: Here we have a coin of Demetrios II, from Antioch. The coin, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums, is about 3.54 grams. What strikes you about it? Editor: The material speaks of resilience, doesn’t it? Its patina whispers tales of power, struggle, and trade. It also seems to convey the weight of history. Curator: Absolutely. Demetrios II, a ruler in a tumultuous period, used coinage strategically. The imagery, even in its worn state, reflects the aspirations of his reign and the socio-political context of the Seleucid Empire. Editor: I see the faint outline of what must have been a prominent royal symbol. It's intriguing how even fractured symbols continue to communicate. Curator: Indeed. It’s a potent reminder that objects like these are not merely artifacts but tangible connections to ancient power dynamics. Editor: This coin, seemingly small, unlocks so much about the values of its time. Curator: A potent symbol of its epoch, preserved.