Coin of the Perge-Delphi Alliance under Valerian I c. 253 - 260

Editor: This is a coin of the Perge-Delphi Alliance under Valerian I. It's small and quite corroded, but I can still make out figures on both sides. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about the complex relationships in the Roman Empire. Alliances like this weren't just about trade or military support, they were about power dynamics, cultural exchange, and solidifying identities in a vast, often oppressive, empire. Editor: Oppressive? Curator: Absolutely. Think about what it meant to be from Perge or Delphi, holding onto their distinct identities while being under Roman rule. These alliances were a form of resistance, a way to maintain some autonomy and negotiate their place within the larger power structure. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It makes me see coins in a different light, like tiny acts of defiance. Curator: Exactly! It's about reclaiming narratives and understanding how marginalized communities asserted themselves. There's power in the everyday, in the very symbols we choose to represent ourselves. Editor: I'll definitely look at ancient art with a more critical eye now, thank you!