END OF TRANSENNA WITH DOLPHIN HEAD, C3-C4 CE. COLOSSEUM
If were able to restore the Colosseum to its ancient glory, what version would be "authentic"? Perhaps the first one, finished in 80 CE. But throughout antiquity the amphitheatre underwent many alterations, fires, and rebuildings. Would it not be equally "authentic" to rebuild it as it was in late antiquity? In that case we'd get the complete version of this balustrade from the C3-C4, when this dolphin with its cruel toothy grin would be intact. The range of balustrade decorations in the Colosseum was wide, from griffins to deer stooping gracefully to drink.
For #ReliefWednesday, the end of a #balustrade from the #Colosseum, a late restoration from the C3 or C4, with a close look at a #Roman #dolphin. I don't want to cause controversy but this dolphin, in my opinion, is unambiguously evil. #AncientBluesky 🏺