Coin of Sillyum under Valerian II c. 256 - 258

Editor: So, here we have a Coin of Sillyum under Valerian II from the Harvard Art Museums. Seeing this small object, I'm struck by its age and how it connects us to a distant past. What can you tell us about its significance? Curator: This coin is a fascinating artifact of Roman imperial power projected onto a local context. Coins were not just currency; they were propaganda. The emperor's image, even in a small city like Sillyum, reinforced Roman authority and cultural influence. Have you considered the implications of its discovery location? Editor: That's interesting; no, I hadn't considered its discovery location. Curator: Its presence there speaks volumes about trade, taxation, and the everyday lives of people under Roman rule. These objects allow us to reconstruct social and economic networks. Coins offer a tangible link to understanding the public role of art in the ancient world. Editor: It's amazing to think about how much history a single coin can hold. Curator: Indeed. It makes you reconsider the value we place on images and their political weight, even today.