Coin of Zeugma under Philip I, the Arab c. 244 - 249

Editor: Here we have a coin of Zeugma under Philip I, the Arab. The coin's worn details give it a tangible link to the past. What does this coin tell us about its time? Curator: Coins like this are fascinating snapshots of power and cultural projection. The image of Philip I, the Arab, was deliberately circulated. How do you think this imagery impacted the construction of his authority? Editor: It suggests a desire to connect with and influence a broad population. Were there other ways Philip asserted his power? Curator: Absolutely. Think about the location—Zeugma, a strategically important city. Issuing coins there emphasized Roman control, but also integrated local identities. It's a visual language of imperial reach. Editor: I see. So it’s not just about the portrait, but also about the location of production. Curator: Precisely. It reveals the intricate play between Rome's central authority and the economic and political dynamics of its provinces. It really makes you think about the museum's role in preserving that history. Editor: It changes how I look at a coin. It’s a small object, but it speaks volumes about a whole empire.