Coin of Tarsus under Caracalla c. 188 - 217

Editor: We're looking at a coin from Tarsus under Caracalla. It’s this little bronze disc, worn smooth by time. It feels weighty, doesn't it? What stories do you imagine are hidden in its patina? Curator: Oh, absolutely. It whispers of emperors and distant lands. I see the ambition of Caracalla stamped right on it, but also the hand of a local craftsman in Tarsus. I wonder, did that craftsman ever imagine his work would be held and pondered over millennia later? Editor: That’s wild to think about! So, what does it tell us about the cultural landscape of the time? Curator: It's a fascinating blend of Roman power and local identity. The coin represents Roman imperial authority, of course. But its existence in Tarsus also highlights the city's economic and cultural importance within the empire. See how these small objects can open huge windows? Editor: It really puts things into perspective! Curator: Doesn't it? It’s humbling and connecting, all at once.