Coin of Antioch under Elagabalus c. 218 - 222

Curator: Here we have a bronze coin, a historical artifact from Antioch under the reign of Emperor Elagabalus. Editor: It looks like something you might find buried in your backyard. What I find immediately striking is how worn it is, yet that eagle is still so regal. Curator: The eagle was a common symbol on Roman coinage, representing Jupiter, the king of the gods and a symbol of imperial power. Minting coins was a potent form of propaganda, of course. Editor: Makes me wonder about all the hands it passed through, what dramas it witnessed. It's like a tiny, tarnished time capsule. Curator: The image of Elagabalus himself, wreathed in laurel, also conveys power and divinity, reinforcing the emperor's image and authority. Editor: The craftsmanship is really detailed despite its tiny scale. It's pretty incredible what they could do. Makes you ponder what it was like back then. Curator: Indeed, it gives us a tangible link to the past and reminds us of the enduring power of symbols in shaping our understanding of history. Editor: It just goes to show that even the smallest objects can carry an enormous amount of historical weight. Pretty mind-blowing.