Coin of Rabbathmoab under Julia Domna c. 210 - 211

Curator: The "Coin of Rabbathmoab under Julia Domna" presents a somber, almost ghostly relief against the darkened metal. Its circular form is compromised, adding to its ancient allure. Editor: This artifact speaks volumes about power and representation. Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, wasn't just a consort; coins like this one, minted in Rabbathmoab, show how imperial power sought to integrate local economies and cultures through her image. Curator: Indeed, the formal rendering of Domna's profile—note the meticulous curls and regal bearing—is a study in Roman portraiture, designed to project authority and grace, yet now patinated by time and circumstance. Editor: Precisely. These coins acted as portable propaganda. Distributed across the empire, they affirmed Roman dominance while subtly acknowledging local deities or rulers on the reverse, fostering loyalty through visual cues. Curator: I find myself drawn to the damaged edges. Each imperfection is a mark of authenticity, a testament to its survival and circulation through history. Editor: A potent reminder of how empires use visual strategies to negotiate power dynamics. It's remarkable how much these small objects reveal about the vast networks of Roman influence. Curator: An enduring image, indeed.