Coin of Alabanda under Caracalla 188 - 217

Editor: This is a coin from Alabanda, issued during the reign of Caracalla. It looks very worn, but there is still a clear image of Caracalla on one side and a tree on the other. What can we learn about this coin as an artifact? Curator: This coin isn’t just money; it's a piece of political messaging. The city of Alabanda used Caracalla’s image to demonstrate loyalty, legitimizing his rule locally. The tree, a common motif, may represent local resources or civic identity. Editor: So, it's less about the value of the coin itself and more about what it represents to the people who used it? Curator: Exactly. Think of it as early propaganda, where the images and symbols are carefully chosen to project power and stability within a complex network of socio-political relationships. What do you think that reveals about civic life at the time? Editor: I never thought about it that way. It’s interesting to see how art and politics intersect, even on something as small as a coin. Curator: It’s a reminder that art is never created in a vacuum. Understanding its context unlocks a deeper understanding of the past.