Coin of Alexander the Great, Salamis c. 336

Editor: Here we have a coin of Alexander the Great from Salamis. It's small and worn, but it's clearly stamped with images. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin embodies power and representation. It's a symbol of Alexander’s empire, yes, but also a carefully constructed image meant to disseminate a particular message. How did coins function as propaganda? What narratives did they reinforce about Alexander's authority, divinity, and the very idea of empire itself? Editor: So it's not just money, it's a statement. Curator: Precisely! Consider how coinage standardized not only economic exchange but also visual language. The coin becomes a tool for cultural imposition, reflecting the ideals and power structures of the dominant culture onto the conquered territories. Editor: That makes me see it in a totally different light. Thanks! Curator: Of course! It's vital to examine how ancient objects can reveal the complexities of power, identity, and cultural exchange.