Denarius of Elagabalus c. 220 - 222

Editor: Here we have a Denarius, a Roman coin, minted during the reign of Emperor Elagabalus. It feels incredibly small and yet holds so much history. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: I see a tiny time capsule, really! Elagabalus...now there was a character. This coin, worn smooth by centuries of hands, whispers tales of his turbulent reign, his religious reforms, and his ultimate demise. It's a tangible link to a distant, almost unbelievable past. What do you make of the imagery? Does it speak to you? Editor: It does. I see the profile of Elagabalus, then this… altar? It’s all a bit blurry, like a faded dream. Curator: Exactly! A dream of power, of divinity, all compressed onto this tiny disc. Think of how many hands this passed through, funding legions, buying bread… it’s humbling, isn’t it? Editor: It really is. Makes you wonder about the stories it could tell. Thanks for your insights. Curator: My pleasure! It’s a coin, yes, but also a poem.