Coin of Perge under Gallienus? 253 - 268

Editor: This is a coin of Perge, likely made under Gallienus. It's small, and worn, but it still feels weighty, like a tangible link to the past. What stories do you think this coin holds? Curator: The coin’s images were deliberately chosen to project power and legitimacy. Consider what symbols might be at play here. What figures do you see, and what might they represent to the people of Perge at that time? Editor: I can see what might be a Roman Emperor on one side, and maybe the goddess Artemis on the other? Curator: Precisely! The Artemis of Perge held immense local significance. By featuring her alongside the emperor, the coin bridges local identity and imperial power. It's about cultural negotiation, where pre-existing beliefs are embraced, but also subtly reshaped. Editor: That's fascinating, I hadn't considered the interplay between local and imperial symbols. Curator: Indeed. This coin isn't just currency. It's a miniature stage for political and cultural messaging. It reminds us that even small objects can carry profound cultural memory.