13. Silver tetradrachm with head of Alexander as Herakles

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13. Silver tetradrachm with head of Alexander as Herakles

Place of OriginGreece, Chios

Dateearly 2nd century BCE

DimensionsOverall: 1 1/4 x 1 3/8 x 1/8 in.

MediumCoin; die-stamped silver

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Dennis and Joyce Kapp

Object number

1983.78

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 02, Classic

Label TextAlexander the Great, the Macedonian king who created one of the largest empires of the ancient world by the time he turned 30, is represented on these coins wearing the characteristic Herakles lion skin. Herakles represented an ideal to the Greeks—a society that valued strength, courage, and victory—and Alexander wished to associate himself with these positive traits. Although separated by over a century, these two silver coins help illustrate the prevalence of the Herakles myth in Greek society, as well as the enduring influence of Alexander.