Coin of Antiochos IV Epiphanes of Syria, Antioch c. 175

Editor: Here we have a coin from Antioch, Syria, of Antiochos IV Epiphanes. It’s small, worn, but undeniably powerful, with figures etched onto its surface. What symbols jump out at you? Curator: The figure on the reverse, likely Zeus, carries immense cultural weight. Consider his thunderbolt, a symbol of power, and the scepter, a sign of kingship and divine authority. These aren't merely aesthetic choices; they’re declarations of legitimacy and divine favor, echoing through generations. Editor: That's fascinating! It’s like a visual echo chamber. Curator: Precisely. The symbols used on coins like this weren't just about the ruler; they were about reinforcing a system of belief and power. Recognizing them helps us understand how societies communicate and perpetuate their values. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Thanks for making that connection! Curator: My pleasure. It's all about finding the threads that connect us to the past.