Coin of Strato I (abd'Ashtart I), Sidon c. 4th century

Editor: So, this is a coin of Strato I from Sidon. Looking at it, I'm struck by its size and how worn it is. What can you tell me about what it represents? Curator: This coin isn’t just money; it's a statement. Currency was often one of the earliest forms of mass media. Consider who Strato I was and his position within a larger historical context. What message was he trying to send? Editor: He was trying to hold onto power, right? The coin shows his authority, maybe even his divine right to rule? Curator: Precisely. Rulers often used iconography on coins to legitimize their power and connect with the prevailing culture of their time. Consider the imagery he chose and what it might signify to his diverse subjects. What cultural narratives was he trying to tap into? Editor: That's a different way of seeing a coin. It makes me think about money as propaganda. Curator: Exactly. We can see how power and identity intersect in these small but powerful objects.