Han-style Parthian Mirror

Han-style Parthian Mirror

A copper-alloy mirror recovered from U-M excavations at Seleucia on the Tigris (Iraq). This was a locally produced imitation of a type of mirror typical of Han China (206 BCE to CE 220), some of which reached Mesopotamian and Mediterranean sites via the Silk Road. The...
Weaver’s Comb

Weaver’s Comb

Weaving combs are used to beat or compress weft yarns against previous rows, ensuring that the final textile has a consistent density. This large weaving comb was made from three pieces of wood joined with pegs, decorated with a concentric circle design. It is one of...
Silver Tetradrachm of Ptolemy I

Silver Tetradrachm of Ptolemy I

Coinage offered an effective means of circulating political messages to a broad population. This silver tetradrachm was minted in Egypt under Ptolemy I Soter. The obverse shows a portrait of Alexander the Great with an elephant-scalp cap, horns of Ammon, and aegis;...
Gold Stater of Philip II

Gold Stater of Philip II

This gold stater is a popular type that was produced during the reign of Philip II of Macedon (359–336 BCE), father of Alexander the Great, to celebrate his victories in the Olympic Games. The obverse of the coin features the god Apollo wearing a laurel wreath crown,...
Athenian Tetradrachm

Athenian Tetradrachm

This silver coin is an Athenian tetradrachm, renowned as one of the most widely produced and recognized coins of the ancient world. Its obverse side features a striking depiction of Athena, the revered patron goddess of Athens, while the reverse showcases the owl, a...
Philip Arrhidaeus Tetradrachm

Philip Arrhidaeus Tetradrachm

This silver tetradrachm is a popular typology that was produced under the reign of Philip III Arrhidaeus, Alexander the Great’s half-brother. After the death of Alexander in 323 BCE, Philip III was chosen to be king, along with Alexander’s infant son named...