Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Commodus c. 188 - 189

Curator: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria, crafted under Commodus. The portrait strikes me immediately—that profile, seemingly frozen in a shout. What does it evoke for you? Editor: The image of Commodus, even worn by time, speaks volumes about power and its visual representation. Currency, a tool of empire, stamped with his likeness. How did this impact lived experiences? Curator: Coins like these were more than just currency. The imagery, from the portrait to the symbols, reinforced the Emperor’s authority and projected a specific image of Roman power throughout the Empire. Editor: And what symbols! The significance of the imagery chosen, repeated across countless coins, served to establish cultural memory, a shared understanding of power. It begs the question, how did this iconography shape public perception? Curator: Exactly. Considering Commodus's reign, marked by both extravagance and political instability, this coin becomes a potent artifact for understanding the complexities of power and image-making in antiquity. Editor: A tiny object, but it opens up a world of reflection about enduring symbols and their impact through time. Curator: Indeed, a small window into a vast and complex world.