Coin of Tiberius II c. 579 - 582

Editor: So, this is a coin of Tiberius II from the Harvard Art Museums. It feels like a direct link to the past, but its worn condition also makes me think about power and its inevitable decay. What significance do you see in this object? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about the performative nature of power in the Byzantine Empire. Notice the depiction of Tiberius II; it's not just a portrait, but a carefully constructed image meant to project authority. Consider, too, the social implications of such a widespread symbol of leadership and wealth. How might such symbolism affect marginalized populations? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't thought about the coin as a form of propaganda, or its broader societal impact. Curator: Exactly! Objects like these were never neutral; they were tools in shaping public perception. Editor: I'll definitely look at such artifacts differently now.