Denarius of Caracalla c. 2th - 3th century

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Caracalla, by Caracalla himself. It's a coin, so it's quite small. It looks like it's made of metal. What do you make of this object? Curator: This coin is a powerful statement. Caracalla, as ruler, literally stamped his image onto currency. It's a potent act of self-promotion, but also speaks to the control and power structures of the Roman Empire. How does seeing his face on money influence our understanding of his reign and its impact on its citizens? Editor: I guess it shows how the Emperor’s image was intertwined with daily life. It’s quite interesting! Curator: Exactly! And coins like these circulated widely, acting as propaganda but also as a symbol of Roman dominance and economic power in the ancient world. Editor: That's true. Thanks for pointing out that dynamic! Curator: My pleasure. Considering art as part of a broader narrative helps us better understand historical context.