Solidus of Zeno, Constantinople 476 - 491

Editor: This is a gold solidus coin minted in Constantinople under the reign of Zeno. I’m struck by how a seemingly simple object can carry so much political weight. What can you tell me about its role in society? Curator: Coins like this weren't just currency; they were tools of imperial propaganda. The imagery, likely Zeno himself, projected power and legitimacy, circulating widely throughout the Byzantine empire and beyond, visually reinforcing his rule. What does that say about the power of images? Editor: So, the coin is a form of mass communication, designed to instill confidence in Zeno’s reign? Curator: Precisely! And its presence in various locations also speaks to the extensive trade networks and political influence of the Byzantine empire. It's a small object with a large story. Editor: Fascinating. I never considered how a coin could be such a powerful political statement. Curator: Indeed. It makes you think about the messages embedded in the objects we use every day, doesn't it?