Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Numerian c. 282 - 283

Editor: So, this is a tetradrachm from Alexandria under Numerian, currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks like it’s seen better days! What historical narratives do you see embedded in this coin? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it’s a potent symbol of Roman imperial power projected onto a diverse, multicultural Alexandria. The image of Numerian links him to divine authority, a key component to maintaining power in a vast, often rebellious, empire. How does that strike you? Editor: It's interesting to think of money as propaganda. Is the figure on the other side related to that projection of power? Curator: Precisely! It's about reinforcing Roman ideology and control through imagery accessible to all levels of society. The coin becomes a tool for shaping perceptions, legitimizing rule, and suppressing dissent. Think of it as an early form of mass communication. Editor: I never thought about ancient coins this way; it's really eye-opening to see how deeply intertwined art, power, and identity were even then. Curator: Exactly! It's a reminder that art has always been a battleground for meaning and influence.