Coin of Seleukos I of Syria, Antioch c. 305

Editor: This is a bronze coin of Seleukos I of Syria, minted in Antioch. It looks quite worn, but I can still make out figures on both sides. What kind of cultural memory does this coin embody? Curator: Note how the coin acts as a miniature cultural archive. The portrait on one side evokes Alexander the Great, carrying the weight of his legacy and aspirations. Editor: And the seated Zeus on the other side? Curator: Yes, Zeus represents divine authority. The imagery creates a narrative of power, linking Seleukos to both earthly and divine sources of legitimacy. What do you think the intended message was? Editor: To legitimize his rule by linking himself to powerful figures of the past. It’s amazing how potent these symbols are, even after all this time. Curator: Precisely! These symbols are deliberately chosen to resonate across time and space.