Coin of Antiocheia Caesarea under Julia Domna c. 193 - 211

Curator: Look at the patina on this coin—it whispers stories of time, doesn't it? The "Coin of Antiocheia Caesarea under Julia Domna," held here at Harvard, is a tangible link to the past. Editor: Absolutely. Its weathered appearance evokes a sense of history, but also raises questions about the power dynamics at play. Julia Domna, as wife of Septimius Severus, wielded considerable influence in a patriarchal society, and this coin is a testament to her status. Curator: Indeed! I wonder, what did it feel like to hold such authority? This coin—a token of trade, a symbol of power. Editor: And a statement. Issuing coinage was a way for Roman leaders, particularly women like Domna, to assert legitimacy and project an image of strength and stability. This portrait, in particular, emphasizes her idealized beauty and Roman virtues. Curator: I can almost hear the coins clinking, fueling a bustling empire, a reminder of human ambition and artistry intertwined. Editor: Precisely. It prompts us to consider: who was Julia Domna beyond the coin, and how can we use this artifact to challenge traditional narratives of Roman history?