Coin of Amphipolis under Augustus - Gallienus c. 1 - 300

Editor: Here we have a coin of Amphipolis under Augustus – Gallienus, weighing just over 4 grams. It's fascinating how this small object connects us to such a vast history. What strikes you most about it? Curator: The coin offers a glimpse into the projection of imperial power and local identity. Consider how the image of Augustus, replicated on countless coins, served as a form of propaganda, reinforcing Roman authority throughout the empire. How do you think a citizen of Amphipolis might have viewed this imagery? Editor: I hadn't thought of it as propaganda. It makes me wonder about the power dynamics at play and the role of art in shaping perceptions. Curator: Exactly. Coins were not just currency; they were carefully designed objects meant to communicate specific messages about power, legitimacy, and the relationship between Rome and its provinces. Editor: That's a really interesting perspective. It changes how I see something as simple as a coin. Curator: Indeed, these objects serve as valuable evidence of the complex interplay between art, politics, and society in the ancient world.