AR Julia Domna 

Editor: This is a silver coin depicting Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. It's fascinating to see such a personal object, almost a portrait in miniature, surviving from so long ago. What can you tell me about its role? Curator: Coins weren't just currency; they were powerful tools of imperial propaganda. Images of rulers, like Julia Domna, were circulated widely to project power and legitimacy. Consider how this controlled image reinforced her role in the Severan dynasty. Editor: So, it's less about an individual portrait and more about a public image? Curator: Precisely. The coin's image is carefully constructed to convey authority and idealize her position. Its value lies in what it communicates about the empire’s self-presentation. Editor: That gives me a new perspective on something I thought was so personal; it was actually quite political. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. These objects offer invaluable insights into the social and political structures of the Roman Empire.