Denarius of Caracalla c. 216

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Caracalla, a Roman coin featuring the emperor himself. It's currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's so small, but carries such weight, doesn’t it? Like holding a tiny planet, imprinted with power. Curator: Absolutely. These coins were crucial for disseminating imperial imagery. Caracalla, knowing the power of propaganda, ensured his face, his brand, circulated widely. Editor: I'm drawn to the detail. The laurel wreath, the sharp profile... it feels almost… intimate, despite its mass-produced nature. Does it make him more relatable, or just reinforces his authority? Curator: It’s both, isn't it? The coin serves as a reminder of centralized control. Editor: It's strange to think that something so small once held so much power, and now it just sits there quietly in a museum. Curator: A silent testament to the enduring dance of power and image.