Coin of Kleonai under Julia Domna 198 - 208

Curator: Here we have a coin issued by Kleonai under Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. It resides in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's amazing how much history is captured in such a small object. I'm immediately struck by the worn texture and the faint, yet persistent, images. Curator: Indeed. Coins such as these were not just currency, they were also tools of imperial propaganda. Julia Domna, as empress, played a crucial role in shaping the visual narrative of the Severan dynasty. Editor: Absolutely. Seeing her likeness on this coin raises interesting questions about women in positions of power, and how their images were circulated and consumed within the Roman empire. Was this image empowering, or a tool of patriarchal control? Curator: It’s a complex issue. The coin would have reinforced her status, but also reminded everyone of the emperor’s authority. Editor: This single coin opens a window onto the economic and political landscape of the time, prompting us to consider the narratives it silently carries. Curator: A fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, made tangible by this small artifact.