Coin of Tyre under Gordian III 238 - 244

Editor: This is a coin of Tyre under Gordian III, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Given its age, the details are worn, but it still feels weighty, like a tangible link to the past. What stories do you think this coin carries? Curator: Consider how coins served as miniature billboards. Each ruler strategically displayed symbols—gods, animals, portraits—to communicate power and legitimacy. What figures do you discern, and what would they have signified to the people of Tyre? Editor: I think I see a figure that might be Gordian III? The other side has some standing figures. Curator: Indeed. And what cultural memories might these figures evoke? Think of Tyre's rich history, its connections to Phoenician deities, and the ever-shifting political landscape under Roman rule. How do these images reinforce or challenge existing power structures? Editor: So it’s not just about the emperor, but also about connecting to Tyre’s past? Curator: Precisely. This coin isn't just currency; it's a curated narrative, a portable piece of propaganda designed to resonate with local beliefs and reinforce imperial authority. Editor: It’s fascinating how much can be communicated on such a small scale. Curator: Indeed, a constant reminder that even the smallest images can carry immense cultural and political weight.