Coin of Ephesos 

Editor: This is a coin of Ephesos. It was made by Trajan Decius. Looking at it, it's hard to believe that something so small could carry so much weight, historically speaking. What can you tell me about this coin? Curator: This coin isn't just about trade; it's a powerful statement of Roman imperial power projected onto a local Ephesian context. What does it mean for a local economy to adopt the iconography of its colonizer? The portrait of Decius on one side reinforces this power dynamic, while the image on the other, likely Artemis, tries to bridge Roman authority with local identity. Editor: So, it's like a negotiation of power and identity? Curator: Precisely. The very act of using these coins meant accepting Roman rule, subtly reshaping Ephesus’s cultural and economic landscape. Each coin becomes a tiny propaganda piece, constantly circulating messages of Roman dominance. Editor: It’s incredible to think about how such a small object could have such a large impact. Curator: Absolutely, and understanding this helps us to see the complex layers of power embedded within everyday objects.