Coin of Parlais under Julia Domna c. 2th - 3th century

Editor: This is a coin of Parlais under Julia Domna, a fragment of the past from the Harvard Art Museums. It feels heavy with history. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The patina speaks of centuries, doesn't it? Look at the figure struck on its surface; consider the weight of Roman imperial imagery. Can you discern any specific attributes they bear? Editor: I think I see what might be a scepter. Is there a symbolic meaning attached to the objects they carry? Curator: Absolutely. In Roman iconography, such objects denote power, authority, and the promise of prosperity. It’s a visual language designed to resonate across time and culture. Editor: That’s incredible – the image acts as a kind of memory. Thanks for helping me look closer. Curator: It's a pleasure. The past whispers through these objects if we learn to listen.