AR Elagabalus 

Editor: This is a silver coin of Elagabalus, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's so small, yet carries such an imposing portrait. What symbols stand out to you? Curator: Note the sun radiating from his head, a direct visual link to his Syrian sun god, El-Gabal. This wasn't mere vanity; it was a calculated attempt to imbue himself with divine authority, a powerful and provocative message to the Roman people. The coin becomes a vehicle for cultural and religious transformation. Editor: So, the imagery served a very specific purpose beyond just representation? Curator: Precisely. Every element, from the laurel wreath to the inscription, reinforces this narrative of divine rule, sparking complex emotions and memories for those who encountered it. Do you think it resonated? Editor: I hadn't considered how potent those symbols would be, even on such a small scale. It adds a new layer of understanding.