Denarius of Caracalla c. 2th - 3th century

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Caracalla. It’s a small, unassuming coin from around the 2nd century AD. What can you tell me about the public role of this piece? Curator: Coins like these were not just currency; they were powerful propaganda tools. Consider how Caracalla used his own image to project power and legitimacy across the vast Roman Empire. What messages do you think the imagery on this coin conveys to its users? Editor: I guess, like, the emperor's power and wealth? Curator: Exactly. The image and inscriptions reinforced Roman authority and communicated political ideology to a largely illiterate population. Think about how this small object helped to shape public perception of the emperor and the empire. Editor: That puts things in perspective. It's more than just money, it's a statement. Curator: Precisely. It’s a window into the political landscape of the Roman Empire.