Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian c. 288 - 289

Curator: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s incredible to see the way the wear and corrosion adds texture, almost like an abstract painting on a tiny scale. Curator: Indeed. These coins weren't just currency; they were tools for projecting imperial power. Diocletian's image, rendered in metal, circulated throughout the empire, a constant reminder of Roman authority. Editor: And consider the process. Someone, or many someones, had to mine, smelt, and strike these coins. The labor involved in creating this small object speaks volumes about the Roman economy and its reliance on both skilled artisans and enslaved labor. Curator: Absolutely. The iconography, too, is carefully chosen. The eagle, a symbol of Jupiter and Roman authority, reinforces Diocletian's legitimacy. Editor: For me, holding this would be a tangible connection to that history. You know, its weight, the cool feel of the metal against my skin… Curator: It truly brings history alive. Editor: It really does make you think about the economics of power.