Denarius of Caracalla c. 217

Editor: Here we have a Denarius, a silver coin, of Caracalla. It feels weighty, even though it's so small. What kind of imagery would have resonated with people at the time? Curator: This imagery speaks volumes. On one side, Caracalla himself, wreathed in laurel, signifies victory and imperial power. The reverse shows a military figure – perhaps Mars – holding a spear and shield. What emotions do these figures evoke? Editor: Strength, maybe even a sense of invincibility. Curator: Exactly. Coins like these were carefully designed to project an image of strength, authority, and divine favor throughout the Roman Empire, shaping public perception of the emperor. We still grapple with similar image-making today. Editor: That's fascinating! I never thought about a coin carrying so much cultural weight.