Denarius of Elagabalus c. 220

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Elagabalus from the Harvard Art Museums, weighing just over 3 grams. It presents a fascinating glimpse into the reign of a controversial Roman emperor. Editor: The small scale is deceptive; it feels heavy with the weight of history. Looking at the portrait, I'm struck by a sense of youthful arrogance. Curator: Indeed. Elagabalus was known for his religious reforms, attempting to supplant traditional Roman deities with the cult of Sol Invictus, symbolized here, perhaps, by the radiant sun. Editor: I see a figure on the reverse. Elagabalus's religious policies challenged the very foundations of Roman identity. The coin becomes a site of cultural conflict. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like these weren't just currency; they were potent tools of propaganda. The imagery would have been instantly recognizable, reinforcing his divine authority. Editor: Considering Elagabalus's short and tumultuous reign, this coin serves as a tangible reminder of a brief but significant period of social upheaval. Curator: A period defined by the clash of tradition and radical change, now captured in this one small piece. Editor: It underscores how coinage can condense complex power dynamics and cultural struggles into a single object.