Denarius of Julia Domna Possibly 193 - 196

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Domna, the wife of Septimius Severus. It's a silver coin, and I’m struck by how much information is conveyed on such a small, functional object. What can you tell us about the creation and purpose of this piece? Curator: As a material object, this coin represents a convergence of economic, political, and social forces. The silver itself speaks to trade routes and extraction industries, while the minting process highlights the Roman state's control over production and distribution of wealth. And, of course, the image of Julia Domna served as a form of propaganda, reinforcing her power and influence throughout the empire. Editor: So, it's less about artistic expression and more about material power and social control? Curator: Precisely. It's crucial to recognize that even seemingly simple objects like this coin reflect complex networks of labor, resources, and ideologies. Editor: I see. So, examining this coin gives us a tangible connection to the material culture of the Roman Empire. Curator: Indeed. It reveals aspects of labor, commodity, and consumption in a way that art history often overlooks.