Coin of Thessalonike under the Emperor Caracalla c. 2th - 3th century

Editor: This is a coin of Thessalonike under the Emperor Caracalla. What strikes me is how worn down it is, yet still holds such potent imagery. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The wear itself is significant. This coin, touched by countless hands, carries echoes of an empire. The figure of Caracalla, though faded, still projects imperial power, while the reverse image likely held symbolic meaning for the people of Thessalonike. Editor: Symbolic meaning? Could you elaborate? Curator: Certainly. Consider the symbols chosen for the coin. What cultural values or aspirations might they represent for the city during Caracalla’s reign? These choices are rarely arbitrary. Editor: That’s a really interesting point. I hadn't considered the choices made in the imagery. I guess objects like these can tell many stories. Curator: Indeed. Each scratch, each worn edge, adds to its narrative.