Coin of Corcyra under Septimius Severus c. 2th - 3th century

Editor: This is a coin of Corcyra under Septimius Severus, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The imagery is quite worn, but I can make out a figure on each side. What cultural or historical significance do you see in this small object? Curator: Note how Severus, a Roman Emperor, chose to depict a winged horse, Pegasus, on the reverse. Pegasus embodies freedom and inspiration. What does it mean for a ruler to associate himself with such imagery on currency used in Corcyra, a Greek island with its own rich mythological heritage? Editor: So the coin merges Roman power with local Greek symbols? Curator: Precisely. It's a subtle act of cultural integration, perhaps even claiming a lineage to Greek ideals. A fascinating intersection of power and myth! Editor: I see it now; the symbols connect to something deeper than just trade. Curator: Yes, it’s a window into how rulers used images to shape perceptions and narratives.