Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago

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The Meroe head was hacked off from its body, and it was buried face down beneath a monumental stairway of a temple that led to an altar of victory.

The act of placing the head face down beneath the stairs meant that all those who entered the temple were physically and symbolically stepping on and dominating Roman power. This was essentially a giant symbolic middle finger to the reputation of Augustus in the eyes of queen Amanirenas. It was a political message, a declaration stating the Nubian Kingdom of Kush was not to be ignored, and that Rome should see them as a threat that cannot be conquered.

#nubia #ancienthistory #ancientrome #kingdomofkush