Coin of Hierapolis under Caracalla c. 198s - 208s

Curator: Here we have a coin from Hierapolis under Caracalla, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite small, weighing only 4.77 grams. Editor: It feels weighty with history despite its size. The texture is worn, almost softened, creating a somber, reflective mood. Curator: Absolutely. Caracalla's reign was marked by significant social and political shifts. This coin, a form of propaganda, offers a glimpse into the emperor's attempts to legitimize his rule through images and symbols accessible to all. Editor: The design itself, though faded, employs a clear semiotic language. The portrait, the inscriptions - each element is deliberately placed to convey power and authority. The circular form reinforces the idea of a self-contained, regulated world. Curator: Consider also the cultural context. Hierapolis, a city with diverse religious traditions, would have interpreted these symbols through its own lens, further complicating the coin's intended message. Editor: Yes, and how the coin's materiality speaks to the economics of the time. This single artifact illuminates trade, governance, and the very fabric of daily life. Curator: Seeing beyond the surface reveals complex layers of power, identity, and cultural exchange. Editor: Precisely, the coin presents a small but complete world.