Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Severus Alexander c. 222 - 223

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm of Alexandria, created under Severus Alexander. Given its age and wear, it feels like a tangible link to a distant past. What symbolic weight did these coins carry? Curator: Ah, these coins weren't merely currency; they were potent symbols of Roman authority and cultural influence in Alexandria. Notice the imagery – what figures do you recognize? Editor: I think I can make out an eagle on one side. Curator: Precisely! The eagle often represented Roman power and imperial reach. These symbols helped to solidify Roman identity and project an image of strength and stability in a diverse, multicultural city. Editor: So, the coin served as a constant reminder of Roman dominance? Curator: Indeed. And they offer glimpses into how power was negotiated and represented through visual language. I find it fascinating how potent these small objects are as conveyors of meaning. Editor: I never thought a coin could reveal so much about cultural memory.