Solidus of Honorius, Constantinople 397 - 402

Editor: Here we have a gold Solidus of Honorius, likely from Constantinople. It's amazing to hold something so old. What can we learn from this coin? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's propaganda, a carefully constructed message of power. Consider the context: Honorius was a weak ruler during the decline of the Western Roman Empire. How does this coin attempt to project an image of strength and legitimacy that might have been lacking in reality? Editor: So, the coin served as a kind of advertisement? Curator: Exactly. Its imagery—the emperor's portrait, the symbols of authority—all work to reinforce his claim to power in a turbulent era. How does this relate to contemporary forms of political image-making, like social media campaigns? Editor: That's a great question, it seems that projecting an image to the public has always been important. Curator: Precisely. Examining this coin allows us to understand how power and identity were constructed and disseminated in the past and invites us to reflect on similar strategies employed today.