Siliqua of Theodosius II, Constantinople c. 420s

Editor: Here we have a Siliqua of Theodosius II from Constantinople. It's a small coin, silvery in tone. I notice the portrait on one side. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: This coin offers a glimpse into the power dynamics of the Byzantine Empire. The image of Theodosius II isn't just a portrait; it's a statement of authority, reinforcing imperial ideology. How do you think the average person might have interacted with this image of power? Editor: I suppose they would see the Emperor daily? It's interesting to consider how this small object shaped perception. Curator: Exactly. And what about those who were excluded or marginalized by this power structure? The coin, in its own way, perpetuated inequality. Reflecting on this, what does this coin tell us about the relationship between art, power, and social justice? Editor: This helps me see how even something so small can carry such weight. Curator: Indeed. Every artifact is a vessel of history, a silent witness to the narratives of its time.