Head of Augustus Meroë
Plaster cast of a Roman original, around 27-25 BC. Meroë, Sudan
Museum of Classical Archaeology 524
Augustus’ carefully manufactured image was replicated as a type and widely distributed across the Roman empire, in statues and on coins. This head of a standing statue, erected in Sudan as a reminder of the Emperor’s power, was severed by rebel forces in 24 BC. It was buried beneath the steps of the local temple of Victory, so that it would be permanently beneath the feet of the victors.
