Propaganda During the Reign of Emperor Caracalla: The <i>Warsaw Relief</i> and Roman Coins from the Collection of the National Museum in Warsaw

This paper explores elements of imperial propaganda during the reign of Caracalla, using the example of the famous Warsaw Relief from the Gallery of Ancient Art, as well as Roman coins from the collection of the Department of Coins and Medals at the National Museum in Warsaw. It examines the history and dating of the relief and discusses its analogies. The author analyses iconographic elements such as the crowning, the trophy and captives, as well as the presence of Victoria/Venus Victrix, by comparing these motifs with those found in Roman art, imperial and provincial coinage, and their symbolic significance. This paper also presents the figure of Emperor Caracalla and the image he sought to create through propaganda and political manoeuvres. Additionally, it examines the role of Julia Domna in the politics and propaganda of the Severan dynasty. The author demonstrates that all these elements formed part of a coherent strategy, aimed at enhancing the image of an emperor who, according to contemporary historians, was regarded as a tyrant.