Dupondius of Caracalla c. 2th - 3th century

Curator: This is a Dupondius of Caracalla, an artifact now held at the Harvard Art Museums. Look closely at the wear and feel the weight of history. Editor: It's a somber piece, isn't it? The darkness of the metal and the obscured details suggest a long, complex, and often brutal history. Curator: Indeed. This coin provides insights into Caracalla's self-representation and imperial power, revealing how he crafted his image through material culture. The imagery would have reinforced his authority. Editor: I am thinking about the labor that went into minting it. Who were the metalworkers? What were their lives like as they produced this token of wealth and power? The materiality speaks volumes. Curator: Absolutely, and by studying these coins, we can better understand the economy and the distribution of power in the Roman Empire, challenging traditional narratives centered solely on emperors and elites. Editor: It’s incredible to consider how this small object embodies vast systems of labor, value, and control. Seeing it this way really changes how I engage with it. Curator: Exactly. It's a stark reminder of the power dynamics inherent in everyday objects throughout history. Editor: A sobering thought. It gives a lot of depth and complexity to something small and easy to overlook.