I know I posted a Greek monument for yesterday’s #MuseumsUnlocked on the Romans, so today I’ll try to right my wrongs by posting a Roman masterpiece in #Greece! Who wants to learn about this *gold* portrait of Septimius Severus in Komotini?!
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#archaeology #ClassicsTwitter #rome

The pearl of the Komotini Archaeological Museum, this almost-life-size hammered gold bust depicts the emperor Septimius Severus in military regalia. One of the best preserved imperial portraits in precious metal, it was probably installed on a standard as mobile imperial cult!

Excavated at Plotinopolis, a major city in Roman Thrace founded by Trajan, this portrait likely served as a portable imago of Roman imperial power, and would have been carried by the local provincial garrison!

The portrait is difficult to date, when compared to other images of the Septimius Severus. The small curls on his forehead mimic early portraits of the emperor, while the long beard is not seen until later images of Septimius!

Septimius Severus is shown in his role as a military commander, wearing the lorica plumata or feathered cuirass, complete with a wonderful gorgoneion!

But while I’m convinced that this bust is one of the most amazing objects in Greek museums, don’t think that it’s the only thing in Komotini! The museums has an amazing diachronic collection & the city is absolutely beautiful, preserving amazing Ottoman architecture!