Quinarius of Allectus, Londinium c. 293 - 296

Editor: Here we have the "Quinarius of Allectus, Londinium" of unknown date, made by Allectus. It's quite small! What strikes me is its age and how it connects us to the past. What historical context am I missing? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about power and resistance. Allectus was a Roman official who assassinated the emperor Carausius and briefly ruled Britain. This coin, minted in Londinium, represents a fractured empire and Allectus's attempt to legitimize his rule. Editor: So, it's about the struggle for control. How did Allectus try to win support? Curator: Exactly. Consider the symbolism: the imagery, the Latin inscriptions. All tools for Allectus to establish himself as a legitimate leader amidst political turmoil. It is a means of controlling the narrative. Editor: That’s fascinating, a tiny object with such a weighty story about the complexities of power and identity. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, and it reminds us that even the smallest artifacts can reflect broader societal struggles.