Coin of Demetrios II, Antioch c. 146

Editor: We're looking at a bronze coin of Demetrios II, minted in Antioch. It has a worn texture. What enduring symbols or memories do you see embedded within it? Curator: Note the king's portrait. It's not just a face; it represents power, lineage, and a whole dynasty's ambitions. Consider how rulers used coinage to project their image and legitimize their reign. What does it tell us about the ruler's self-image? Editor: So, the coin is more than just currency; it's a propaganda tool? Curator: Precisely! And the condition of the coin, worn smooth by countless hands, speaks to the passage of time and the enduring presence of the Seleucid dynasty. This tangible link connects us to a distant past. Editor: I hadn't considered the wear and tear as a symbol in itself. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Each artifact whispers stories if we listen closely.