Coin of Byzantion under Caracalla c. 2th - 3th century

Curator: This is a coin from Byzantion under Caracalla, weighing 9.1 grams. Editor: It’s remarkably worn, isn't it? You can sense the weight of history it carries, and a certain…fragility. Curator: Indeed. Coins were potent symbols of imperial power. Depicting Caracalla, this coin would have circulated, quite literally embodying his reign. Think of its journey through the hands of merchants, soldiers, and citizens. It’s a social artifact. Editor: I see the winged figure on the reverse—Nike, Victory! The imagery connects Caracalla with notions of triumph and divine favor, something familiar in iconography across empires. Curator: And yet, these symbols were not universally embraced. Caracalla’s rule was marked by brutality and policies that deepened inequalities. The coin’s idealized imagery masks a more complex and troubling reality. Editor: Ultimately, it’s a potent reminder that symbols have incredible staying power, but their meanings are perpetually up for grabs. Curator: Precisely, and understanding that struggle is key.