As of Caracalla c. 2th - 3th century

Curator: This is a bronze coin, "As of Caracalla", currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's incredible, isn't it? The patina, that green bloom…it feels like time itself has painted it. Curator: These coins were circulated widely during Caracalla's reign, serving not only as currency, but as propaganda, solidifying his image and authority. Editor: I'm drawn to the profile, so stern, like he's staring down centuries, daring us to forget him. It makes you wonder about the weight of power, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. Caracalla's reign was marked by both significant reforms and extreme brutality, and the coin offers a glimpse into how he wished to be perceived. Editor: It's a little portal, a connection to someone who walked the earth millennia ago. Curator: Exactly, and analyzing such artifacts enables us to better understand not only Roman history but also how power, image, and identity were constructed and disseminated. Editor: Makes you wonder if our digital footprints will be as fascinating to future historians. A scary thought, isn’t it?