Coin of Justinian I c. 538 - 539

Editor: Here we have a coin of Justinian I. What strikes me is how this everyday object portrays power and religion simultaneously. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's a fascinating intersection of imperial authority and religious ideology. Justinian’s image, surrounded by Christian symbols, becomes a powerful propaganda tool. How does the coin's accessibility shape perceptions of his reign? Editor: So, it's not just about currency, but also about controlling the narrative? Curator: Precisely. Consider the impact of circulating this image – it directly links Justinian's rule with divine legitimacy in the eyes of the populace. Editor: That's a potent message. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It reveals much about how power was constructed and disseminated in the Byzantine world.