|
|
Silver Coin (Tetradrachm) Issued
by Lysimachus
Thrace, after 281 B.C.
Obverse: Head of Alexander as Zeus-Ammon
Reverse (not shown): Athena seated, with shield and spear,
holding Nike
Dia. 3.0 cm (1 1/4 ")
Burton Y. Berry Collection, 82.66.26
Coins became an efficient medium for visual propaganda because they were
frequently handled, traveled far and wide through transactions, and also
served to ensure the loyalty of soldiers as pay. Alexander used his coins
to show deference to the Greek gods, and he claimed divine ancestry by
often portraying himself in the guise of Heracles. Alexander's generals,
such as Lysimachus and Ptolemy, who became monarchs of the new Hellenistic
kingdoms, issued Alexander's portrait to promote their lineage back to
the conqueror.
|
