Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Antoninus Pius c. 142 - 143

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm of Alexandria, dating back to the reign of Antoninus Pius. It's a small coin, yet it feels like a direct link to the Roman Empire. What can you tell me about its historical significance? Curator: These coins were tools of imperial propaganda. How do you think the Roman emperors used these images on coins to project power and maintain control over vast territories like Alexandria? Editor: So, it wasn't just currency; it was a message broadcast across the empire. Curator: Precisely. The act of minting and distributing these coins served as a constant reminder of Rome's authority and the emperor’s image. Consider what messages these images conveyed and how people may have reacted to them. Editor: It’s amazing to think that something so small could carry so much political weight. Curator: Exactly! Objects like these help us understand the relationship between art, power, and everyday life in the Roman Empire.