Coin of Justin II c. 570 - 571

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin of Justin II, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels almost like holding history in your hand. What narratives do you see embedded in this object? Curator: This coin is not merely currency; it's a potent symbol of imperial power and identity. Consider the image of Justin II and his consort, Sophia. How does this shared representation challenge or reinforce gendered power dynamics of the time? And what about the material itself – humble bronze used to project an image of Byzantine strength? Editor: So, the choice of bronze is intentional, almost a statement? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to consider the intersection of economics, politics, and representation. What stories does this object tell about class, access, and the construction of power in the Byzantine Empire? Editor: That definitely gives me a lot to think about regarding the historical and cultural context of the coin. Curator: Indeed. Every artifact, even one as small as this, is a portal to understanding complex social structures.