Denarius of Juba II of Mauretania 11 CE

Curator: Here we have a denarius of Juba II of Mauretania, a coin made during his reign. Immediately striking is the elephant on the reverse. Editor: The scale is surprising. It's so small, yet feels monumental. The elephant projects power despite its diminutive size. Curator: Indeed. Juba II was a fascinating figure, a king, scholar, and client ruler under Rome. He used imagery like this to assert his authority and connect with both Roman and local traditions. Editor: And the elephant? Is that a reference to North Africa? A symbol of royal power? Or both? Curator: Precisely! It's a complex symbol, connecting him to the land and to broader ideas of strength and prosperity. Consider how he navigates his identity through its imagery. Editor: It makes you think about how much identity and power are tied up in currency, even back then. A potent reminder that symbols matter. Curator: Absolutely. It's a small object that opens up huge questions about culture, power, and representation. Editor: A tiny window into a vast history, seen from multiple vantage points.