Coin of Pellene under Caracalla 198 - 217

Curator: This is a Coin of Pellene under Caracalla, dating back to his reign. Its materiality, worn with age, speaks volumes about power structures and their representations throughout history. Editor: It feels… weighty, even just looking at it. What do you see in this piece, beyond its monetary value? Curator: It's a window into the construction of imperial identity. Consider Caracalla's complex legacy: expansion of citizenship versus brutal authoritarianism. This coin, issued locally, subtly reinforces his power in Pellene. How does its design reflect or perhaps even distort that reality? Editor: I guess it shows how power can be both symbolic and very real, impacting even small communities. It is more than just metal, I see that now. Curator: Exactly. It’s a reminder that even seemingly simple objects carry complex socio-political narratives.