Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Maximinus I c. 237 - 238

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm of Alexandria, featuring Maximinus I Thrax. It's quite small and worn, yet the imagery remains striking. What symbols jump out to you in this work? Curator: Well, on one side, we see the stern profile of Maximinus, an emperor known for his military might. The other side depicts an eagle, a symbol laden with associations of Roman power, victory, and even divinity. Do you see how the image flattens power into portable form? Editor: Yes, it's like a little emblem of authority. Curator: Exactly. And consider the eagle itself: throughout many cultures, it embodies strength and vision. Here, it's a visual shorthand for the Roman Empire's aspirations and reach. Editor: I hadn't thought about the eagle in that context. It really makes you think about how much meaning can be packed into a tiny object. Curator: Indeed. These symbols are not just decorative; they are potent tools for conveying ideology.