AR Julia Domna 

Editor: Here we have a coin of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. It's small, silver, and remarkably well-preserved given its age. I'm intrigued by the power such a tiny object held. What can you tell us about its significance? Curator: This coin, like all Roman currency, functioned as propaganda. Julia Domna's portrait served to legitimize her husband's rule and project an image of imperial stability. The depiction of Diana on the reverse further reinforces that message, associating the empress with a powerful, virtuous figure. Editor: So, it's less about individual artistry and more about political messaging? Curator: Precisely. The coin’s artistry is in its effectiveness as a tool of statecraft. It asks us to consider how imagery shapes our understanding of power and identity, even in antiquity. Editor: Fascinating; I’ll never look at a coin the same way again. Curator: Indeed, everyday objects often hold the most compelling historical narratives.