Dirham of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad, Rayy 658 - 659

Editor: So, here we have a Dirham of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad, from Rayy. It's really intriguing to see how power was represented through such a small object. What can you tell me about the imagery and its role in society at the time? Curator: This dirham isn’t just currency; it's a statement. Consider the imagery: whose portrait is that and what symbols of authority are presented? These coins circulated widely, shaping public perception of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad. How do you think this imagery might have influenced his political power? Editor: It’s like a mini-billboard! So the symbols were intentionally placed to project authority and perhaps legitimize his rule? That’s fascinating. Curator: Precisely. And beyond its face value, the dirham’s material – likely silver – would also communicate wealth and power. Thinking about its distribution helps us understand the reach of this message. Editor: I hadn’t thought about the material itself being part of the message! Thanks, this gives me a much richer understanding. Curator: Indeed. By examining such objects, we gain a unique insight into how leaders communicated and maintained power in the past.