Coin of Herakleios c. 636 - 637

Editor: Here we have a gold coin created by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyads. The “Coin of Herakleios” depicts figures on one side and a cross on the other. It feels almost like a tiny window into a clash of cultures. What do you make of it? Curator: It whispers of power, doesn’t it? Imagine the weight of empires colliding in this small, golden disc. The Umayyads, borrowing from Byzantine imagery, yet subtly shifting the narrative to reflect their own ascendance. A cross transformed, figures re-imagined… it’s a statement, wouldn't you say? Editor: Definitely a statement! So, it’s like they’re speaking through the coin? Curator: Precisely! Currency speaks louder than words, sometimes. This coin isn't just money; it's a declaration. It prompts me to consider how art can be a silent, yet potent, form of dialogue across time and cultures. Editor: I see what you mean. Thanks, that’s really interesting!