Coin of Arcadius, Constantinople 388 - 392

Editor: This is a coin of Arcadius, made in Constantinople. It looks worn but dignified. What can you tell us about the power dynamics at play here? Curator: This coin, a tool of empire, wasn't just about economic exchange. Its imagery actively shaped perceptions of Arcadius's legitimacy. How do you think the coin functioned in establishing imperial authority within the broader context of late Roman social hierarchies? Editor: It’s interesting to think of a coin as propaganda. Thanks for that perspective! Curator: My pleasure. Examining art through the lens of power reveals so much!