Lifelike 3D model of Julius Caesar’s Head

The National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, Netherlands has unveiled a lifelike 3D model of Roman Dictator Julius Caesar’s head. Archaeologist Tom Buijtendorp has written a book,‘Caesar in de Lage Landen’ (Caesar in the Low Countries). He got an idea to create a 3D model of Caesar’s head and unveil it along with his book release.  

(3D model of Julius Caesar's head is in the middle. Marble portraits of Caesar are in the left and right sides)

The 3D reconstruction of infamous Roman ruler was done by archaeologist and physical anthropologist, Maja d’Hollosy. d’Hollosy studies excavated human skeletal bones from archaeological sites. She is an expert in reconstructing faces from skeletal bones. The marble portraits of Julius Caesar from the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden and the Museum of Antiquity in Turin, Italy were used to create the 3D model. The bust from the Museum of Antiquity in Turin was excavated in 1825 in Tusculum, Italy.

Nose, lips and chins of the marble portrait from the Leiden museum were damaged. So, the second bust from Turin and a coin with the image of Caesar were utilized to create accurate 3D model. First, the marble portraits were scanned in 3D. Then, the model was created using clay and silicone rubber.

(Julius Caesar 3D Model)

The 3D reconstruction of Caesar’s head reveals that it was big and bulged in the back. According to Buijtendorp, a doctor has explained that Caesar’s head might have bulged due to heavy deliveryduring his birth. I think, in near future, scientists will do more research to find out why Caesar’s head was in odd shape.

Julius Caesar was born in 100 BC and assassinated in 44 BC.  This 3D reconstruction technology will help us to create more lifelike models of historically important persons. It seems that d’Hollosy has been creating several impressive lifelike models of ancient people from stone age, bronze age, iron age and Roman era. The 3D reconstructions of ancient people can be used for education, research and art collection and exhibition.  Caesar’s 3D reconstruction model is on display at the Leiden museum until August, 2018.