Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Claudius II Gothicus c. 269 - 270

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Claudius II Gothicus, weighing 9.25 grams. It looks incredibly worn, almost like a relic. What stories do you think it holds? Curator: This coin offers a glimpse into the complex power dynamics of the Roman Empire. Claudius II Gothicus, while emperor, relied on Alexandria as a vital economic hub, and such coinage facilitated trade and taxation. But consider the power structures inherent in this image: whose face is presented, and whose labor sustained the empire? Editor: So, it's not just about the emperor, but also about the people behind the scenes? Curator: Precisely. These objects serve as potent reminders of both the visible rulers and the often-invisible masses who shaped the course of history through their labor and resistance. Editor: That's a powerful way to look at something so small. I'll definitely remember that. Curator: Indeed. Art, in all its forms, is a reflection of societal values and power structures. Examining it critically allows us to better understand ourselves.