Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 210

Curator: Here we have a denarius of Septimius Severus, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's so tiny! And yet, I feel the weight of empires just gazing at it. There's a solemn, almost burdened quality to that profile. Curator: Indeed. Coins, like this one, became potent symbols. The image of the ruler reinforced his power, and the deities depicted affirmed the cultural values. This particular coin depicts Septimius Severus himself. Editor: He certainly looks… serious. I wonder what it was like to hold power then, with that much scrutiny—almost like wearing your own face as propaganda. Curator: The imagery was deliberate, a careful construction. It evokes themes of strength, authority, and divine right—all packaged within this small, metallic circle. Editor: It’s funny, isn't it? How the grand narratives of power are often condensed into such portable, almost insignificant objects. It makes you wonder about our own present day tokens. Curator: Very true. This denarius is more than just currency; it is a condensed symbol of an era. Editor: Ultimately, it’s a small fragment that echoes the vastness of Roman history.