Coin of Thyateira under Severus Alexander c. 222 - 235

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin from Thyateira under Severus Alexander. Its weathered surface gives it a sense of history. What story does this object tell about its place in society? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about imperial power and local identity. The emperor's image on coinage served as a constant reminder of Roman authority. Editor: So, its creation and use was a political act? Curator: Precisely. It was a deliberate act of projecting imperial ideology into everyday life. The designs promoted specific virtues and achievements of the ruler, shaping public perception. Editor: That's fascinating. I'll never look at old money the same way again. Curator: Consider how this coin, a small, everyday object, connected individuals to a vast empire and its narratives.