Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 207

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Septimius Severus. It's small, silver, and shows a portrait of the emperor. It feels so distant from our modern world. What can this coin tell us about power and identity in ancient Rome? Curator: This coin, seemingly small, is a potent symbol of power, particularly relevant when we consider Severus' rise amidst civil war. How might the imagery – his portrait, the inscription – have been used to legitimize his rule and project an image of strength? Editor: It's interesting to think of a coin as propaganda. The image is a carefully constructed message! Curator: Exactly. And how does the use of his portrait, and not say, a depiction of a deity, reinforce a shift toward the cult of the emperor? It really makes you think about how power is constructed and circulated. Editor: That’s a great point, I never thought about it like that. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. Considering the context helps us connect with this seemingly distant history.