By Jacqueline Engel
The toga and curled hair indicate that this bust depicts a Roman man of high standing. It may represent a young Marcus Aurelius before he became emperor. His crown with a star-stamped disc, an emblem of Serapis (Greco-Egyptian god of the sun), reinforces this theory. Emperors, as servants of the imperial cult, were tasked with offering sacrifices on behalf of the faithful. Alternatively, the crown may identify him as a priest. This portrait bust was found at Kom Abu Billo (ancient Terenouthis) together with the bust of the early Antonine lady displayed nearby (JE 44672).
Roman, reign of Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161, Therenuthis, Kom Abu Billo, Marble, JE 39468
LA CIVILTA' EGIZIA 