AR Caracalla 

Editor: This is a silver coin, attributed to Caracalla, simply titled "AR Caracalla." It’s worn, but you can still see the portrait. What can we learn from such a humble object? Curator: It's fascinating how power dynamics are embedded even in currency. This coin isn't just money; it’s propaganda. Caracalla’s image, circulated widely, projected his authority throughout the Roman Empire. Editor: So, it’s about controlling the narrative? Curator: Precisely. Consider how identity and power were constructed and disseminated. The coin serves as a tangible link to understanding the social and political landscape of the time, and also how rulers have manipulated the power of images for centuries. Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. Thanks. Curator: The past always speaks to the present.