Marble head of the first emperor of Rome found in Italy
(ORDO NEWS) — In the Italian city of Isernia, a team of builders discovered a well-preserved marble head. In this country, such finds are not uncommon, but they cannot always be identified, or they do not always have historical value.
In this case, the experts had no doubts: under the 2,000-year-old city walls was part of a sculpture or bust of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. He was always depicted with large ears and a “dovetail” hairstyle: a V-shaped parting, on both sides of which there were “curls” of hair.
August founded a standing army and expanded the empire to Africa. He ruled Rome from 27 BC. e. before his death in 14 A.D. Isernia, inhabited by the ancient Samnite people, was an important strategic point in the center of Italy. Rome captured it in 295 BC, razed it to the ground and rebuilt it as a Roman outpost. Both Caesar and Augustus founded colonies there, although in 90 BC. e. the Samnites briefly reclaimed the city.
The exact date of creation of the sculpture has not been established, but its outline resembles the famous statue from Prima Porta, which dates back to 20 BC, and this proves the presence of the Romans here during this period.
The ancient city walls of Isernia are in serious need of renovation. The marble head was found after the collapse of one of the walls and attempts to strengthen it. This piece of sculpture is planned to be exhibited at the Santa Maria Delle Monache Museum in Isernia.
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