Coin of Michael VII c. 1071 - 1078

Editor: Here we have a "Coin of Michael VII." It's small, metallic, and worn, clearly holding a lot of history. What significance might this coin have held in its time? Curator: This coin represents more than monetary value. It's a symbol of power, authority, and identity. Consider the image on the coin – who is represented, and what does their portrayal suggest about the ideals and power structures of the Byzantine Empire? Editor: I see, so it's a form of propaganda, reflecting the values the emperor wanted to project? Curator: Precisely. Coins like this were a primary way to disseminate an emperor’s image and legitimacy throughout the realm. The design choices, from the attire to the posture, all communicate carefully constructed messages of sovereignty and divine right. What does that tell us about the daily life and concerns of people during the time it was minted? Editor: It's amazing how much we can read from such a small object. Thanks for shedding light on this! Curator: Indeed. And by engaging with objects like these, we can challenge traditional narratives and understand history from different perspectives.