Coin of Sikyon, Julia Domna 198 - 205

Curator: Looking at this ancient coin, I feel like I'm gazing into a tiny, weathered mirror reflecting an empire's ambition. Editor: And what's striking is how this intimate object—this "Coin of Sikyon," featuring Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus—connects the personal to the political in the Roman Empire. Curator: Absolutely, it's like holding a whisper of power in your hand. The artistry is still so evocative, even after centuries of wear. You can almost feel the weight of history pressing down. Editor: Yet, what narratives are prioritized? The Roman Empire was built on exploitation, and Julia Domna, a woman in power, navigated those systems. We must remember the subjugated, not just the rulers. Curator: A vital point. Seeing her likeness, it's tempting to imagine her thoughts, her world. What did she make of her position? Did she see the cracks in the façade? Editor: What cracks can we see now? Who is remembered in this transaction of value and visibility, and who is erased? These coins speak to a larger dialogue around history, power, and who gets to tell the story. Curator: The coin begs us to imagine the stories circulating at the time. Editor: Yes, how do we responsibly engage with history, acknowledging the uncomfortable truths alongside the allure?