Sassanian Coin
Silver
Original Site Unknown
2.8 cm diam.
A6867
Oriental Institute Museum
Sassanian Coin
Coinage was not used in ancient Mesopotamia until quite late in its history. This coin shows the helmeted bust of the Sassanian king, Khusrau II, on the obverse (front) side, and two attendants flanking a fire altar on the reverse (back) side.
Multimedia
Life in Ancient Mesopotamia
What was life like in ancient Mesopotamia? Find out in this video featuring Oriental Institute Assyriologist Dr. Martha Roth.
What is Conservation?
Ever wonder what a conservator does? Oriental Institute Museum conservator Laura Laura D'Alessandro tells you all about her job in this video.
Suggested Readings
Hunter, Erica. First Civilizations: Cultural Atlas for Young People. New York: Facts on File, 1994.
Kramer, Samuel Noah. Cradle of Civilization. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Books, 1967.
Roaf, Michael. Cultural Atlas of Mesopotamia and the Ancient Near East. New York: Facts on File, 1990.