Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius
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Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius

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This bronze statue (c. 175 AD) depicts Emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback, making an adlocutio gesture symbolizing power and peace. Initially mistaken for Constantine, it escaped the melting of imperial bronzes. The horse’s Sarmatian saddle cloth alludes to Aurelius’s victory over the Sarmatians. The original is preserved indoors, while a replica stands in Piazza del Campidoglio, highlighting Rome’s enduring imperial legacy.