Coin of Thessalonike under Maximinus I c. 3th century

Editor: So, this is a coin of Thessalonike under Maximinus I. It's small, but I can see the wear and tear of time on it. What can you tell me about its deeper context? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's a potent symbol of imperial power. Maximinus Thrax, a soldier-emperor, rose through the ranks during a period of intense social and political upheaval. How might this object speak to the anxieties and power dynamics of the era? Editor: I see your point; its creation must have been tied to establishing authority. Curator: Precisely. Consider the portrait of Maximinus – what does it communicate about his self-image and how he wanted to be perceived by the people of Thessalonike? Editor: It's all about control, then. So much more than just money. Curator: Indeed. It prompts us to consider the relationship between power, representation, and social stability in a tumultuous period of Roman history.