Coin of Edessa under Septimius Severus and Abgar VIII c. 2th - 3th century

Editor: This coin of Edessa, crafted under Septimius Severus, shows two rulers in profile. It’s easy to pass by, but what stories do you think it whispers about power and representation? Curator: Absolutely. This coin isn't just currency, it's a statement. Septimius Severus, a Roman emperor, sharing space with Abgar VIII, a local king, highlights the complex negotiations of power in the Roman Empire's periphery. How does seeing these figures together on a shared coin challenge our understanding of Roman dominance? Editor: I guess it shows Rome wasn’t just about conquering, but also co-opting local power. Curator: Precisely. It's about negotiating identities and power dynamics. The coin invites us to think about marginalized narratives and the ways local leaders navigated imperial power. It makes you wonder, whose story is truly being told here, and for what purpose? Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It is in objects like this that we can find hidden dialogues about power and cultural exchange.