Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian c. 289 - 290

Curator: What a fascinating artifact—a tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. The weight is recorded at 7.33 grams. Editor: The corroded patina gives it such weight—not just physical weight, but the weight of history. The forms are barely discernible, yet the overall texture is compelling. Curator: Precisely! Diocletian’s rule marked a significant shift in the Roman Empire, a move towards centralized power and the tetrarchy, reflected even in provincial coinage like this. Editor: The incised portrait on one side, and the allegorical figure on the other—the interplay of line and relief, even in this worn state, is quite powerful. Curator: These coins served as a potent form of imperial propaganda. They were tools to disseminate power dynamics and ideals. Editor: Though small, the composition is quite balanced. The subtle variations in the corrosion create a strangely harmonious whole. Curator: It's a remarkable example of how even the smallest objects can carry immense historical and political significance. Editor: A tangible link to a distant era. I'm drawn to how such a seemingly insignificant object can evoke so much.