Denarius of Julia Domna 196 - 211

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Domna. It's a small, silver coin, and what strikes me is how much it tells us about power and representation in ancient Rome. What do you make of it? Curator: Indeed. These coins weren't just currency; they were powerful propaganda tools. Julia Domna, as empress, is literally stamped onto the economy, normalizing her image and authority. Consider the implications of a woman’s face on currency within a patriarchal society. Editor: That's fascinating. So, the coin becomes a statement about gender roles and power? Curator: Precisely. It challenges, or at least complicates, traditional power structures. The symbolism here reflects how imperial women navigated and negotiated their roles within the empire. This teaches us how power intersects with gender, image, and economics. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It's amazing how much history is packed into something so small. Curator: Absolutely, and how relevant those power dynamics remain today.