Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Editor: This is a bronze coin of Manuel I, a Byzantine emperor. It’s small and worn, but the figures are still visible. What symbols do you notice in the images? Curator: Notice how the imagery blends religious and imperial power. One side depicts the Virgin Mary, a powerful symbol in Byzantine culture, suggesting divine endorsement. The ruler on the other side holds symbols of authority. What does that visual combination tell us about Byzantine society? Editor: It emphasizes the Emperor’s connection to both earthly power and divine will. That’s pretty clever. Curator: Indeed. These weren’t just economic objects; they were potent carriers of cultural and political messages. Studying how rulers presented themselves visually can reveal their ambitions and how they wished to be remembered.