Description
This colossal head belonged to a 23 feet high statue of Domitian (some scholars now argue that it is a representation of his brother Titus). It may have been used in emperor worship, as he liked to be called “Lord and God”. At first Domitian was a good ruler, but soon became a despot. After his assassination, the Senate decreed that all his statues be destroyed, which may have been the reason why only the head and part of one arm have been found. Before that happened, however, many Christians were persecuted as they refused to bow down to Caesar. Many were shipped to Rome to die in the arenas, either being devoured by wild animals or set alight as human torches.