This head was part of a larger than life-size bronze statue of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Statues like this were raised across the empire. This one may have been put up to commemorate Hadrian’s visit to Britain in AD 122, as Hadrian traveled the empire establishing its limits and securing its boundaries. This object gives insight into Hadrian’s leadership and the use of the imperial image as propaganda.
From
Found in the River Thames near London Bridge
Date
AD 101 – 200
Culture
Roman
Material
bronze
Dimensions
height: 43 cm
weight: 16 kg
Museum
British Museum
(Please always check with the museum that the object is on display before travelling)