Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Side c. 325

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Side. It's so small, but the details of the figures are amazing. What statements do you think this coin is making about power? Curator: This coin isn’t just currency; it's propaganda. Note how Alexander is depicted as a god. It's a deliberate act to legitimize his rule, intertwining leadership with divinity. How might this imagery have influenced perceptions of Alexander’s conquests? Editor: So, the coin attempts to present him as a god-like figure, which could have swayed people's opinions of his reign. It's a powerful tool for manipulating social beliefs. Curator: Precisely. And who benefits from such a narrative? Understanding this helps us deconstruct the coin’s intended message. Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way. It gives a whole new perspective to see it as a tool for controlling power dynamics. Curator: Absolutely, viewing art through this lens reveals the social and political forces at play.