Dirham of Khusrau II c. 590 - 628

Editor: This is a silver Dirham of Khusrau II. It's small, yet the images feel so grand, like a tiny window into a powerful past. What symbols stand out to you? Curator: The king's portrait, of course, is central, projecting power. Notice his crown, a visual claim to divine authority, echoing ancient traditions. And the reverse shows attendants. They function as cultural memory, reinforcing ideas about royal legitimacy and continuity of power. Editor: That’s fascinating! It’s like he's building his legacy into each coin. Curator: Precisely. Each symbol reinforces his authority, contributing to a lasting visual narrative. It makes you wonder what stories these symbols carried for the people who used these coins daily. Editor: It’s amazing how much information can be packed into such a small space!