Anonymous Follis c. 1042 - 1050

Editor: This is an Anonymous Follis. It's a coin, so it's quite small, and the imagery is worn. One side has what looks like Christ, and the other has a cross. What do you see in this little piece? Curator: I see a potent expression of cultural memory. The image of Christ, repeated on countless coins, becomes more than just a religious symbol. It’s a shared experience, a common visual language understood across geographical boundaries and social strata. Editor: So, like an early form of mass communication? Curator: Precisely! The cross, similarly, isn't merely a symbol of faith. It's an emblem of power, of empire, of belonging. These images tap into deep-seated beliefs and anxieties, shaping the collective psyche. Editor: Fascinating! I hadn't considered how much these symbols could convey. Curator: By studying these symbols, we can learn more about the Byzantine civilization and its vision of the world.