Denarius of Caracalla 

Editor: Here we have a denarius of Caracalla, a Roman coin minted during his reign. I'm struck by how such a small object could carry so much weight through history. What symbols do you see embedded within this piece? Curator: Indeed. Consider the portrait itself, a carefully constructed image designed to project power and legitimacy. The profile isn't just a likeness; it's a statement about Caracalla's role as emperor and his connection to a lineage of Roman rulers. Notice the laureate crown, a classical symbol of victory, on his head? Editor: I hadn't thought about the crown in that way. Curator: And on the reverse, the figure often represents a deity or a personification of Roman virtue. These aren't mere decorations; they're carefully chosen symbols meant to evoke specific ideas and emotions in the viewer, reinforcing Caracalla's image and regime. What might such symbols communicate to people? Editor: It’s like a visual language, reinforcing power through familiar imagery. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: Exactly. These denarii were a form of propaganda, small but powerful carriers of cultural memory.