Coin of Megalopolis under Julia Domna 198 - 209

Editor: Here we have a coin of Megalopolis, minted under Julia Domna. It looks so worn, and yet, it’s also a tangible link to the Roman Empire. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see the fascinating interplay of power and image. Coinage was a primary tool for disseminating imperial propaganda. Julia Domna, as empress, used her image to project stability and influence. Consider how this small object, circulating widely, shaped perceptions of her and her family's reign. Editor: So, it's not just currency; it's a carefully crafted message? Curator: Precisely! The choice of imagery, the inscriptions – all meticulously planned to reinforce the ruling dynasty's legitimacy. And its survival in museums continues that narrative, albeit within a very different institutional context. Editor: That’s a completely different way of looking at it! Thanks for sharing your insights. Curator: My pleasure. It’s a reminder that even everyday objects can be powerful communicators.