Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 198 - 200

Editor: Here we have a denarius of Septimius Severus. It’s small, silver, and depicts the emperor, but what strikes me is how this everyday object served as propaganda. What can you tell me about its function? Curator: Exactly! These coins were powerful tools. Septimius Severus, who seized power through civil war, needed to legitimize his rule. These coins, circulating throughout the empire, visually reinforced his authority. The imagery and inscriptions were carefully chosen. What do you notice about them? Editor: Well, there's a portrait of the Emperor and some figure on the other side. How would the average Roman citizen interpret those images? Curator: The portrait, of course, emphasizes his strength and Roman heritage. The figure on the reverse might depict a deity or symbolize a virtue the emperor wished to embody. This helped establish him as a legitimate ruler, not just a military usurper. Editor: So, it’s less about artistic expression and more about political messaging. Fascinating! Curator: Precisely. It highlights how art, even in its most functional form, is deeply intertwined with power and social control.