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Marcus Aurelius offering sacrifice (Rome, Italy)

This is one of three relief panels from a now lost triumpahl arch of Marcus Aurelius in Rome. Along with the other two, it is housed in the Palazzo dei Conservatori of the Capitoline Museums. It depicts the emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180) with his head veiled and holding a patera, in the act of offering a libation. An ox in the background will follow as an offering. The structure in the back has been identified as the famous temple to Jupiter Capitolinus -- just a few steps from the modern museum -- where triumphal processions traditionally ended.. It is perhaps the only known depiction of the temple. The arch was erected to celebrate the emperor's victory over the Sarmatians and Germans in 176.

 

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Uploaded on April 26, 2020