As of Gordian III c. 3th century

Editor: This artifact is a coin, attributed to Gordian III. Its small size belies its significance. What can you tell me about the role of coinage in ancient Roman society? Curator: Well, coins weren't just money. They were powerful propaganda tools. The emperor's image, like the one we see here, was instantly recognizable and circulated widely, reinforcing his authority and projecting an image of power and stability. Editor: So, it's like a portable advertisement? Curator: Precisely! And the imagery on the reverse, often depicting gods or symbols of Roman power, further cemented Roman values and ideology within the empire and beyond. Consider how its presence impacted various social strata. Editor: That's fascinating; I hadn't thought about the political power of something so small. Curator: Indeed. Analyzing such objects reveals the intersection of art, politics, and economics. It changes how we understand ancient culture.