Coin of the Island of Rhodes under the Romans c. 43 - 96

Editor: Here we have a coin from the island of Rhodes, minted under Roman rule, likely during the reign of Antoninus Pius. It feels so small, yet it's a tangible link to a complex past. What stories do you think this coin whispers? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's a statement of power and identity within the Roman Empire. Consider how imperial images circulated and were received in the provinces. What does it mean for a small island like Rhodes to adopt and adapt Roman iconography? Is it collaboration, resistance, or something in between? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't thought about it as a form of communication on that scale. Curator: Precisely! It prompts us to consider the intersections of power, cultural exchange, and the negotiation of identities within the Roman world. It certainly gives new meaning to "small change." Editor: Absolutely, my perspective on this coin has broadened considerably!