Sestertius of Julia Mamaea 228

Curator: This is a sestertius of Julia Mamaea. It's a bronze coin, a tangible connection to the Roman Empire. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by how worn it is, yet the image remains. It speaks to survival, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. The portrait of Julia Mamaea, mother of Emperor Severus Alexander, embodies power and matriarchal influence. Her image, preserved on currency, reinforces that power. Editor: The coin also served as propaganda, reinforcing social hierarchies of Roman society in which gender was a key factor. Curator: Indeed, and the figure on the reverse likely has symbolic meaning. This layering of symbols invites deeper reflection on the historical and cultural context. Editor: Seeing this coin bridges a gap. It reminds us that history isn't just dates and names, it's also about daily life, power, and how societies construct meaning. Curator: Precisely, symbols and their context continue to influence us today. Editor: And by critically examining these artifacts, we can unpack those influences.