Coin of Antioch under Elagabalus c. 218 - 222

Curator: At first glance, I'm struck by the weight of this small object, this Coin of Antioch. It speaks to the tactile realities of trade under Elagabalus. Editor: The coin's imagery is fascinating, isn't it? The Emperor's portrait carries such cultural and psychological weight. Curator: Absolutely. The materiality – the bronze itself, the process of its striking – tells a story of labor and resource management within the Roman Empire. Editor: And that portrait… it's a deliberate construction, projecting imperial power through established visual symbols. Curator: True, but consider the coin's circulation, its exchange value, and its impact on daily life. These aspects demonstrate how deeply embedded the emperor was into the economic and social system. Editor: Both are deeply connected. This coin is like a condensed symbol, preserving the image of imperial authority while also being fundamental to the economic functioning of the region. Curator: Seeing that authority represented in a coin is a remarkable insight into the means of production and consumption of that era. Editor: Indeed. It's a cultural artifact loaded with symbolism, reflecting the cultural memory of Rome and Elagabalus.