Punishment after death: Mutilation of images and corpse abuse in ancient Rome

Abstract

Representations of the emperors were ubiquitous elements in the lives of Romans at every level of society. As both artistic and literal embodiments of the imperial presence, these images functioned as effigies. When a 'bad' emperor was overthrown or assassinated, his images were often mutilated or destroyed. The disfigurement of imperial portraits is closely linked to the abuse of corpses of condemned criminals and arena victims. This article explores the relationship between mutilated images and corpses in ancient Rome and elucidates the communicative aspects of intentional disfigurement.

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