Tetradrachm of Antiochos VIII Grypos of Syria c. 121

Editor: This is a silver tetradrachm coin of Antiochos VIII Grypos of Syria, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The portrait on the obverse seems really well-preserved. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: This coin isn’t just currency; it’s propaganda. Consider how the image of Antiochos VIII Grypos, strategically placed on currency, becomes a tool for projecting power and establishing a specific cultural narrative, particularly his Hellenistic identity, within a diverse population. What does it tell us about the construction and dissemination of identity in that era? Editor: So, it’s about more than just his face; it's about the message it sends. Curator: Exactly! The visual language employed here—the idealized portrait, the inscriptions—served to legitimize his rule and solidify his cultural position within a complex political landscape. Reflect on the power dynamics at play and how they resonate even today. Editor: That’s a totally different way of looking at it; I never thought about coins that way. Curator: Precisely. Everything, even currency, is laden with intent and symbolic weight, shaping our understanding of history and ourselves.