Coin of Apollonia under Commodus c. 177 - 192

Editor: Here we have a coin of Apollonia under Commodus. It’s intriguing how a small object like this coin can tell so much about power dynamics in the Roman Empire. What do you see in this piece that speaks to that historical context? Curator: I see propaganda and power consolidated into portable wealth. Commodus's face, stamped on currency, speaks volumes about identity and the imperial cult. Consider how his image functioned, shaping public perception and reinforcing his authority. How might this coin engage with conversations about colonialism? Editor: That makes me consider its legacy. Curator: Exactly. These objects are tools that both reflect and solidify power structures. Now, consider how we, even now, participate in systems where wealth and power are intertwined. Editor: It's like the coin invites us to question the systems of power that shape our own world. Curator: Precisely.