Antoninianus of Diocletian, Heraclea 291

Editor: So, this is an Antoninianus of Diocletian from Heraclea. It's a small bronze coin, and the figures seem quite rigid. What can you tell me about the imagery on it? Curator: Well, these coins were tools of propaganda, weren’t they? Diocletian implemented radical reforms to stabilize the Roman Empire, and the imagery, including his portrait and depictions of imperial ceremonies, aimed to project an image of strength, order, and legitimacy. How might this relate to contemporary leadership challenges, do you think? Editor: So, less about individual artistic expression, and more about reinforcing state power? I see what you mean. Curator: Precisely. Consider the relationship between artistic production and political power across cultures and time periods. What did you learn from that? Editor: It’s a sobering reminder of how art can be used to shape narratives and legitimize power.