Stater of Tarsus under Mazaios c. 361

Editor: This silver Stater of Tarsus, made by Mazaios, feels heavy with history. I'm struck by the imagery—a seated figure on one side, and what looks like a lion attacking a bull on the other. What do you see in this piece, and how do we understand its significance? Curator: The coin speaks to the complex power dynamics of the Achaemenid Empire and its interactions with Greek culture. Mazaios, a Persian satrap, issued this coinage, blending Persian and Greek iconography to legitimize his rule. The lion-bull combat is a powerful, ancient symbol of royal authority and domination, but also speaks to class struggle when viewed through the lens of contemporary theory. Editor: So, the imagery isn't just decorative; it's a political statement? Curator: Precisely. It’s about Mazaios asserting his power within a multicultural context. Think about how identity is being performed through these symbols, and what it communicates to different audiences. These coins were like mini-billboards of the time. Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered the coin as a form of political messaging. Curator: Exactly! And that's how art gives us a lens to view the cultural landscape of the past.