Coin of Serdika under the Empress Julia Domna c. 2th - 3th century

Editor: This is an ancient coin, "Coin of Serdika under the Empress Julia Domna." I find it fascinating how something so small could hold so much history. What symbols or narratives do you see embedded in this coin? Curator: Notice the portrait of Julia Domna on one side. The Empress was not merely a figurehead; her image on coinage served to legitimize the Severan dynasty and project power. It taps into a potent cultural memory of imperial authority and Roman ideals. Editor: So, it’s a visual statement of power? Curator: Precisely. And on the reverse, the figure of a deity? That links the imperial house to the divine, further reinforcing their right to rule. These aren’t just images; they are carefully constructed messages. Editor: I never thought about coins as carriers of cultural memory before. Curator: They are powerful reminders that even the smallest objects can resonate with meaning.