Coin of Philomelium under Caracalla c. 198s - 208s

Editor: Here we see a coin of Philomelium, dating from Caracalla's reign. Its surface is worn, but you can still make out the imagery. What symbols do you find significant? Curator: The figure on the coin's reverse, likely Hermes, speaks volumes. As a psychopomp, Hermes guides souls, reflecting Caracalla's focus on immortality, a potent image for cultural memory and afterlife beliefs. Editor: So the coin wasn't just currency; it's a cultural artifact? Curator: Precisely! The image is not arbitrary, but rather a symbolic narrative. It suggests how Caracalla wished to be remembered—his image interwoven with enduring mythological themes. Editor: That's fascinating! I'll never look at old coins the same way again. Curator: Indeed. It offers a glimpse into the cultural and psychological landscape of the time.