Original: Slate
Original: 1-100 CE
Egypt
Gipsformerei, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Ancient Egypt, Roman-ruled Egypt
Theme
Empire: Projecting Power
Subtheme
Seeing the Ruler / Royal Portraiture
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
Rome
Measurements
56 x 28 x 23 cm
Description
Julius Caesar (100 – 44 BCE), Roman general and statesman, emerged victorious from a civil war as sole ruler (dictator) of the Roman Republic. In 44 BCE, he was assassinated.
Close-cropped hair and harsh, deeply lined features show a seasoned soldier and tough, wise leader. The inlaid eyes have an all-seeing intensity. Egyptian green slate was reserved for statues of the elite.
He lives on in many languages. ‘Julius’ gave the month of July its name. ‘Caesar’ became a title used by all Roman Emperors, and many later rulers – “Tsar” in Russia, “Kaiser” in Germany, and “Kaiser-i-Hind” in British ruled India.
