Coin of Carrhae under Caracalla c. 2th - 3th century

Curator: This is a coin of Carrhae under Caracalla, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a fascinating little window into the ancient world. Editor: It's wonderfully weathered, isn't it? It feels like it has its own story to tell. The color is quite dark. Curator: Absolutely. As a piece of propaganda, a coin could travel throughout the vast Roman empire. Caracalla put his image on everything. Editor: Yes, I see his profile on one side and the moon and stars on the other. It feels almost dreamlike given the passage of time. Curator: The imagery links Caracalla to the cosmos, aligning him with the divine. The coins represent the political power he wanted to exert. Editor: It is a humble object, but loaded with ambition, isn't it? To think how many hands this passed through. Curator: Exactly. It offers such a palpable connection to a distant era. Editor: Truly. And it sparks the imagination, doesn’t it? It allows you to dream a little.