Anonymous follis of Romanos III 

Editor: Here we have an anonymous follis, a Byzantine coin, likely dating back to the 11th century, attributed to Romanos III. What strikes me is the weight and purpose of such a small object. What can we learn from it? Curator: This coin, beyond its monetary value, served as a powerful tool of propaganda. Consider how the image of Christ on one side, and the cross on the other, reinforced religious authority and imperial power. How might this coin have shaped the everyday beliefs and perceptions of its users? Editor: So, it's not just about the economy; it's about controlling the narrative. Curator: Precisely. Currency, especially with such overt religious symbols, became a way to disseminate ideology and legitimize the emperor's rule. It's a fascinating intersection of art, religion, and political power. Editor: I never considered a coin as a form of propaganda, that’s insightful! Curator: Indeed, every artifact holds stories about the society that created it.