Thorsten Opper

The Meroo¢ Head of Augustus (Objects in Focus)

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ISBN 13:: 9780714150918
author:: Thorsten Opper
format:: Paperback
publisher:: British Museum Press
language:: English
Publication Year:: 2015
Pages:: 64
Dimensions:: 0.6 x 15.2 x 21 cm
Genre:: History, Archaeology, By Period
Condition:: New
Availability:: Item usually sent within 8 working days

£7.43

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Description

Description

The Meroë Head of Augustus is a remarkable portrait of Augustus, the great nephew and adopted heir of Julius Caesar. Made from bronze with glass pupils, the head is a masterpiece of ancient Roman art, created to serve as a constant reminder of Rome's power. For nearly two millennia, it was buried in front of a temple in Meroe, a testament to the enduring legacy of Rome's rule. The head's history is one of violence and triumph, as it was violently separated from its body and carried away by ancient tribesmen. It was only recovered in 1910, remarkably well preserved, and is now one of the British Museum's most treasured objects. This book explores the significance of the head in the context of Augustus' rise to power and the role of portraits in the Roman world. A new series of photographs accompanies the book, highlighting the dramatic qualities of the head. This absorbing introduction provides a unique insight into a portrait that was both a symbol of Rome's power and a testament to the resistance of the ancient world.

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