Drachm of Alexander the Great, Miletos c. 323

Editor: This is a Drachm of Alexander the Great, from Miletos. It's quite small, and the images are worn, but I'm struck by how something so easily held could represent such power. What can you tell me about this coin? Curator: It represents the power of image-making and propaganda. Consider how Alexander, even after his death, used coinage to perpetuate his image and solidify his empire's ideology. How might this small object have played a role in shaping perceptions of power and authority? Editor: So, it's not just money, it's a message? Curator: Precisely. And consider the act of possession - who held this coin, and what did it mean for them to carry the face of Alexander? It speaks to issues of cultural assimilation, economic control, and the enduring legacy of a leader. Editor: That makes me see the coin in a different light. Thanks! Curator: And to me, it highlights the intersection of art, politics, and the everyday lives of people in the ancient world.