Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian c. 291 - 292

Curator: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The corrosion gives it a somber feel, doesn't it? The flaking edges almost suggest the slow crumble of empires. Curator: Indeed. The figure of Diocletian on one side and a symbolic representation of Alexandria on the other are potent assertions of power and cultural identity. The imagery ties him to the divine and to the strength of Rome. Editor: I see the semiotic weight in your words. The texture caused by age almost obscures the original images. But they are still present, just barely legible, communicating continuity. Curator: These objects acted as a cultural touchstone, a reminder of Roman authority and the ruler's place within that historical narrative. It's interesting to see how symbols persist despite material decay. Editor: Yes, even in disintegration, the formal elements retain traces of intent. It is a stark reminder of the transience and permanence of human design.