Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 201s

Editor: This is a silver denarius of Septimius Severus. It feels weighty, like it carries the weight of Roman history. What significance do you see in an object like this? Curator: This coin is more than currency; it's propaganda. Consider who controlled the narrative then. Septimius Severus, a North African emperor, legitimized his rule through military might and strategic alliances depicted on such coins. Editor: So, the imagery wasn’t just about aesthetics but about power dynamics? Curator: Precisely. The coin served as a portable symbol of Roman authority, reaching diverse populations and reinforcing imperial ideology. It prompts us to consider how visual culture is always tied to socio-political agendas. Editor: It’s amazing how a small coin opens up such a vast discussion about power and representation. Curator: Indeed. It reminds us that art history is also a history of ideas and power.