AR Elagabalus 

Editor: Here we have an ancient silver coin, "AR Elagabalus," depicting the Roman emperor Elagabalus. It’s incredibly small. What's your interpretation of this piece, especially considering Elagabalus's controversial reign? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it’s a carefully crafted piece of propaganda. Coins like these were tools to shape public perception. How might images of power, especially of a ruler known for transgressive gender expression and religious reforms, function in solidifying or destabilizing authority? Editor: So, it's about the tension between image and reality? Curator: Precisely. The coin presents a conventional image of imperial authority, a direct contrast to the historical accounts that challenge traditional norms. It compels us to consider how power is constructed and contested through visual representation and historical narrative. Editor: That's a powerful way to look at such a small object. Thanks! Curator: It’s a reminder that even seemingly insignificant objects can hold profound cultural and political weight.