Tetradrachm of Philip II of Macedonia, Amphipolis c. 357

Editor: This is a silver tetradrachm of Philip II of Macedonia. The imagery feels so deliberately posed, with the rider and the figure on the other side. What do you make of the political statement here? Curator: Coins like this weren’t just currency; they were powerful propaganda. Philip II is associating himself with military prowess through the horseman and alluding to divine authority with the depiction of Zeus. Consider who controlled these images and how they shaped public perception. Editor: So, it’s less about artistic expression and more about crafting a specific image? Curator: Precisely. Think about the social function of imagery, especially in antiquity. Who had access to it? What messages were being broadcast? What did this mean for the Macedonian identity? Editor: I never thought about it in that way. Thanks for sharing that perspective! Curator: My pleasure! It’s vital to understand how art and power intersect.