Octodrachm of Ptolemy I c. 300

Editor: So, here we have an Octodrachm of Ptolemy I. It's a coin, so the material is likely metal. It feels… authoritative, I guess. What's the story behind its imagery? Curator: These coins weren't just currency; they were powerful tools of propaganda. Ptolemy I, after Alexander the Great's death, needed to legitimize his rule in Egypt. How do you think imagery helps him achieve that? Editor: I suppose the portrait shows him as strong, and the eagle suggests power? Curator: Exactly! The eagle was a symbol of Zeus, linking Ptolemy to divine authority. Consider how this controlled imagery shaped public perception and reinforced his claim to the throne. Editor: It’s amazing how much a tiny coin can tell us about power and image-making. Curator: Precisely. It's a reminder that even everyday objects can be deeply embedded in political and social narratives.