Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Amphipolis c. 315

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, minted in Amphipolis. I find it remarkable that such a small object could represent such immense power. What stories do you think this coin tells? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it’s propaganda. The depiction of Heracles, often associated with strength and divine lineage, subtly aligns Alexander with these powerful figures, legitimizing his rule. How does this imagery relate to contemporary power dynamics? Editor: So, it's about creating a narrative through images? Curator: Precisely. Even the choice of silver, a precious metal, reinforces a message of wealth and stability, vital for consolidating power in a diverse empire. What does this tell us about the intended audience and the message Alexander wanted to convey? Editor: That makes so much sense! I never considered how much history could be packed into something so small. Curator: Indeed. It prompts us to question who benefits from the narratives embedded in our objects and how they shape our understanding of history and leadership even today.