OBJECT IN FOCUS: The Meroe Head of Augustus
IN an effort to share more of our favourite ancient objects from around the world, Ancient History Encyclopedia staff have taken a closer look at some really amazing objects or structures. Today’s Object in Focus is the Meroe Head of Augustus.
The Meroe Head is a sculpture portraying the Emperor Augustus Ceasar. It was discovered on the eastern bank of the River Nile between the Sudanese villages of Kegyek and Deraqab in December 1910. Its discovery was a complete surprise as the excavators who first saw it, recognised it as a classic Roman sculpture and wondered how it came to be in Sudan so far from the empire’s borders.
Courtesy of the Greek historian, Strabo, we now have an answer to that question. In 25 CE a Meroite army, led by King Teriteqas and Queen Amanirenas raided Roman garrisons at Syene, Elephantina and Philae, in southern Egypt. Then after attacking landmarks, they decapitated Augustus’ statue and buried his head in the entrance to a temple. It served as a victory monument, allowing visitors to trample on the Emperor each time they entered the doors.
I know this is an important archeological discovery, but look at that expression. I need this as a reaction gif.
Mooncustafer 