Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 2th - 3th century

Editor: This is a denarius of Septimius Severus. The wear speaks of its age and extensive circulation. What can you tell me about the political implications of this seemingly mundane object? Curator: Coins like this weren’t just currency; they were propaganda. Septimius Severus used them to disseminate his image and legitimize his rule across a vast empire. The imagery on the coin – his portrait, the depictions of deities – served as constant reminders of his power. How do you think the standardization of these images impacted the diverse cultures within the Roman Empire? Editor: That makes so much sense. It's a way to control the narrative, even in remote areas. I hadn't thought about how that might also erase local identities. Curator: Precisely. The coin embodies the complex interplay between imperial power and cultural identity. It's a small object with a weighty history.