Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian c. 289 - 290

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian, a coin from the Harvard Art Museums. It looks incredibly worn. What can we learn from this seemingly simple object? Curator: This coin, seemingly small, opens a portal into the socio-political landscape of Roman Egypt. Diocletian’s image, stamped on currency, wasn't just about trade; it was about projecting imperial power and control over a diverse population. What stories do you think it tells about the relationship between ruler and ruled? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't considered the power dynamics embedded within something so commonplace. Curator: Exactly! And consider the cultural implications—how did the local population interpret this imposed imagery? Did it foster acceptance, resistance, or something in between? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. Thanks for giving me a new perspective! Curator: It’s a reminder that even the smallest artifacts can reflect the largest power structures.