Illustration
In the Persian Empire, some regional governors (satraps) were authorized to issue coins for military purposes. They combine Persian and Greek imagery, showing a satrap's head and a local reverse image. These are some of the earliest coin portraits. Silver stater coin, probably Iasus, under Tissaphernes. Circa 400 BCE. From Western Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. (The British Museum, London).
About the Author
Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
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