Denarius of Julia Domna c. 211 - 217

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Julia Domna. The silver is worn smooth with age, but I'm struck by the detail in her portrait. What can you tell me about this coin? Curator: It is fascinating to consider this coin as a form of early propaganda, isn't it? How it portrays Julia Domna, wife of Emperor Septimius Severus, and the messages it conveys about imperial power and gender roles in the Roman Empire. Editor: Propaganda, that's interesting! How so? Curator: Well, think about it. This coin, circulated widely, presented a carefully constructed image of Julia Domna. It subtly asserted her influence and legitimacy alongside her husband, in a patriarchal society. How do you see that playing out? Editor: I guess by placing her image on currency, it made her a constant, visible figure of authority, reinforcing her role. It also challenges the notion of women as being absent from leadership positions, doesn't it? Curator: Exactly! This denarius, then, isn't just currency, but a political statement minted in metal. Considering the historical context allows us to interpret it through an intersectional lens, revealing so much about power, gender, and representation. Editor: This is incredible. I never thought a coin could hold such complex meaning! Curator: Indeed. It prompts us to question whose stories are told and how power is visually constructed.