Denarius of Julia Domna 196 - 211

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Domna. I find it remarkable that a woman, particularly the wife of an emperor, had her image on currency. What is the significance of this? Curator: Julia Domna’s presence on coinage signified more than just imperial association. Consider the Severan dynasty's efforts to consolidate power. Her image, widely circulated, subtly reinforced their legitimacy and projected an image of stability through female virtue. Editor: So, it's less about female empowerment, and more about political strategy? Curator: Precisely. Though her influence was undeniable, the coin primarily served the patriarchal structure. It asks us to consider how gendered images are deployed to uphold power. Editor: That's fascinating! It completely changes how I see this artifact. Curator: Indeed. These objects are embedded with complex narratives about gender, power, and representation.