Coin of Thessalonike under the Emperor Gordian III c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a coin, "Coin of Thessalonike under the Emperor Gordian III". It's a small, bronze object, worn with age. What sort of symbolic weight would this have carried? Curator: Coins are fascinating! Beyond simple currency, they functioned as propaganda, instantly recognizable and widely circulated. What do you see depicted? Editor: There's an image of the Emperor on one side. The other side seems to have a figure standing on a boat. Curator: Indeed! The Emperor's portrait established his authority, while the ship likely symbolizes Thessalonike's vital port and maritime power. Consider how these symbols reinforced cultural identity and loyalty to the Roman Empire. What does it tell us about their values? Editor: It shows how intertwined power, trade, and identity were. I hadn't considered how much meaning a single coin could hold! Curator: Exactly! Coins offer a tangible link to the past, echoing the values and beliefs of a bygone era.