Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Maximian c. 289 - 290

Curator: This is a Tetradrachm of Alexandria, a coin created during the reign of Maximian, a fascinating figure of the Roman Empire. Editor: It has a weathered, almost ghostly quality, doesn't it? Like it’s been whispering secrets to the sand for centuries. Curator: Indeed. These coins, like artifacts of power, circulated within a complex economic and political system deeply intertwined with the legacy of Roman Imperialism and its impact on identity formation in Alexandria. Editor: And it's amazing to think how much could be bought with this. Power encapsulated in a tiny, beautiful object, feels almost theatrical. Curator: Precisely. These weren't just commodities, but declarations of authority and Roman presence in a region with its own rich history. Editor: It reminds us of the enduring nature of power, even in decay, and the stories objects can tell. Curator: Absolutely, offering us insights into the structures of power and the lives impacted by them.