Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian c. 290 - 291

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. It has such a weathered look. What can you tell me about the symbols used here? Curator: The symbols on this coin are fascinating. Consider how the portrait of Diocletian embodies power, connecting him to the divine through visual cues adopted from earlier rulers and gods. Editor: Gods? How so? Curator: Think about how rulers would associate themselves with symbols of strength, wisdom, or prosperity. Are there any repeated symbols, or visual patterns that stand out? Editor: Well, I see the figure on one side, maybe it is Diocletian? It seems like a deliberate attempt to create continuity across different eras. Curator: Precisely. It shows how rulers used imagery to create lasting impressions, shaping their legacy and the collective memory of their reign. Editor: That's really interesting, looking at it through the lens of cultural memory. Curator: Indeed, visual symbols become powerful tools that shape perceptions and endure through time.