Coin of Arcadius, Antioch 392 - 395

Editor: Here we have a coin of Arcadius, minted in Antioch. It's weathered, but you can still make out the emperor's profile and a figure on horseback. How should we interpret this artifact? Curator: This coin presents a fascinating window into the socio-political landscape of the late Roman Empire. Consider the iconography: what messages about power and authority were they trying to project? The equestrian figure, for example, speaks to military might, but for whom and against whom? Editor: So it's not just about the individual, Arcadius, but the broader system he represents? Curator: Precisely. These coins circulated widely, shaping perceptions of imperial power. How do you think the average person in Antioch might have understood this imagery, considering the empire's internal struggles and external pressures? Editor: I guess it’s a reminder that even everyday objects can be powerful tools for shaping ideologies. Curator: Exactly. And studying them allows us to deconstruct those ideologies and understand their impact.