Тhis head originally belonged to a statue of the Roman emperor Augustus (reigned 27 BC-AD 14). In 31 ВС he took possession of Egypt, and the writer Strabo reported that statues of Augustus were erected in Egyptian towns near the first cataract of the Nile at Aswan. The statues, like many others throughout the Roman empire, were a continuous reminder of the all-embracing power of Rome and its emperor.
This head was found at Meroe in Sudan, buried in front of the steps of a Kushite temple. In 29 ВС the Romans advanced into Kush, provoking a war. It is probable that the statue was made in Egypt and later, because of its symbolic importance, was decapitated and the head taken south by Kushite raiders. Burying the head in front of the temple steps would have signified that it was permanently under the feet of its captors.
Roman, from Meroe, Sudan, c. 27-25 bc.
Ht 47.7 cm.
This head was found at Meroe in Sudan, buried in front of the steps of a Kushite temple. In 29 ВС the Romans advanced into Kush, provoking a war. It is probable that the statue was made in Egypt and later, because of its symbolic importance, was decapitated and the head taken south by Kushite raiders. Burying the head in front of the temple steps would have signified that it was permanently under the feet of its captors.
Roman, from Meroe, Sudan, c. 27-25 bc.
Ht 47.7 cm.