Follis of Justinian I, Kyzikos 547 - 548

Curator: Let's discuss this fascinating "Follis of Justinian I, Kyzikos" piece. The Harvard Art Museums hold it. Editor: Intricate! The patinated bronze has such a weathered surface, creating an atmosphere of aged authority. Curator: Indeed. Notice the precise articulation of the imperial portrait on one side; the meticulous arrangement of letters on the other forms a powerful graphic. Editor: And the symbols framing that "M" – they must relate to Kyzikos and its administrative place in Justinian’s empire. This coin speaks to the centralization of power and the projection of imperial identity. Curator: Precisely. The formal elements underscore the visual strategy of power and order. Editor: It’s amazing how such a small object becomes a potent symbol of an expansive political vision. The follis captures a moment in the making of Byzantine ideology. Curator: A testament to the enduring power of form. Editor: Yes, and the way material culture shapes our understanding of history.