Coin of Mithradates VI, Amastris c. 2th century

Curator: This is a coin of Mithradates VI Eupator, struck in Amastris. Editor: It looks so worn, yet it carries a weight of history; I wonder about the hands it has passed through. Curator: Coins such as these were critical for asserting power. Mithradates needed to pay his army and officials, projecting an image of authority. Editor: Absolutely, coinage can be a form of propaganda, projecting idealized images of rulers, gods, and cultural symbols to reinforce social norms. Curator: The eagle, associated with Zeus, and the stag, linked to Artemis, suggests the ruler's divine favor and control over both land and sea. Editor: These symbols were intentionally chosen to communicate power and legitimacy to the diverse populations under Mithradates’ rule. I’m struck by how material culture serves as a touchstone for exploring power dynamics across history. Curator: It's a fascinating glimpse into how leaders used visual media to shape their legacy. Editor: It’s a reminder that even the smallest objects can reveal so much about the politics of representation.