Denarius of Elagabalus c. 219

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Elagabalus, a silver coin featuring a portrait of the emperor. It's fascinating how such a small object can carry so much weight. How do we unpack the political messaging of this piece? Curator: Well, coins weren’t just currency; they were potent tools of propaganda. Consider Elagabalus's reign. What message do you think he was trying to convey through this carefully crafted image? Editor: Perhaps it was about legitimizing his rule, connecting himself to the divine? Curator: Exactly! Coins were distributed widely, reaching all levels of society, solidifying a ruler's image and agenda. It's a powerful example of how art serves political purposes. Editor: So much history compressed into something so small. I'll never look at pocket change the same way again! Curator: Indeed. It is a testament to the pervasive nature of art as a tool of communication and control.