Denarius of Julia Domna, Laodikeia c. 196 - 202

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Domna, struck in Laodikeia, commissioned by Septimius Severus. It’s a tiny thing, just over three grams. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by how worn it looks. History etched right into its surface. It’s like holding a whisper from the past. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were not just currency, but powerful tools of propaganda. Julia Domna, as empress, appears regal, almost goddess-like, on one side. Editor: And on the other, what looks like a figure with outstretched arms – a gesture of power, perhaps, or supplication? It’s fascinating how much meaning is packed into such a small space. Curator: Indeed, these images were carefully chosen to project the power and legitimacy of the ruling family throughout the Roman Empire. Think of it as their Instagram feed. Editor: Except, instead of fleeting likes, these images shaped perceptions for centuries. It makes you wonder about the messages we're sending today with our own carefully curated images. Curator: Exactly! A potent reminder of how images, regardless of size, shape the narratives that dominate our cultures. Editor: Yes, even the smallest coin can carry the weight of an empire.