Imperial Portraiture In Ancient Rome

The Roman Empire is the period of ancient Roman civilization which extended from 27 BC through 476 AD; it is characterized by an autocratic form of government started by Augustus after his victory in the Battle of Actium. The first Emperor, known as Octavian before he accepted the name offered by the Senate, is responsible for the use of portraiture to serve his needs beginning what is today known a Imperial Portraiture, “a distinct segment of ancient art due to the abruptness and purposeful of its origin”. (Breckenridge, 1981, pp.477-478).
The use of the portraits continued to be important through the entire Imperial years, but there are some periods of time between the reigns of Augustus and Constantine where it became a key part of the
For example, the Julio-Claudian dynasty had an evident resemblance to Augustus even though not all used the classical style or had a blood relationship with him.
In his Forum, also used for ceremonies, Augustus validated his claim to be Caesar’s hair, placed his sculpture amongst Aeneas and Romulus founders of Rome and Julian ancestors. He was then shown as a natural successor.
Alexander the Great remained a model for Roman generals and emperors who wished their portraits to convey their military achievements due to the romantic views of his premature death, personality and achievements. As he was deified shortly after his death, many emperors used his image to show who they wished to become and we can see various example where emperors in their last days related to the image of Alexander in hopes to have the same appreciation after death. It was not well received since three emperors with very questionable reputation use this tactic: Nero, Domitian and Caracalla.
Not only good things passed to posterity with the use of portraits; Caligula showed his megalomania, trying to replace Olympian Zeus head with his own and Nero built his 120 foot colossus in the Domus Aurea, evidencing a major