Rome's biggest statue: colossal Constantine

[@DariusArya]

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[@Balthazare69]

I can only imagine how amazing it must have looked to see the giant statues in ancient times, whether in temples or as monuments, or even more amazingly as lighthouses

[@DariusArya]

This is a statue to enjoy in person and think back to the time of deified rulers and gods! (For better and worse)

[@1TakoyakiStore]

They looked even more spectacular in ancient times because they were usually painted to look as lifelike as possible.

[@Novusod]

The Colossus of Nero was supposedly the biggest of the ancient statues but it doesn't get much recognition. It was over 30m tall.

[@pigdroppings]

There is a full scale model of the Parthenon in Nashville, Tenn USA. Inside there is a full scale model of Athena...with her cloak covered in 8 pounds of gold leaf.....see google images

[@Eddict1989]

Glad to see a copy made. Hope some more will be made.

[@DariusArya]

I hear you. As long as there aren't TOO many!

[@Eddict1989]

@@DariusArya The Romans did quite a few copies of ancient Greek statues.

[@robbillington1982]

@@DariusAryaI don’t know Darius, I could do with a whole rebuild of Ancient Rome! 😍

[@shib2352]

We need the Olympian Zeus and the Parthenon's Athena recreated now. And let's think big: the colossus of Rhodes.

[@robbillington1982]

@@shib2352 rebuild it all! 🤣 😜

[@WarshMeh]

Thank you for keeping Rome alive, love this channel. Keeps me thinking of Ancient Rome everyday.

[@DariusArya]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@edgarsnake2857]

Thanks, Darius. It's an amazing reconstruction.

[@DariusArya]

Glad you like it!

[@ladyflimflam]

I have a picture of myself in the square with the pieces from 1987. Amazing to see them reconstructed.

[@DariusArya]

Yes, you'll want to come back and stand by this one!

[@madlenellul3430]

I do remember visiting a museum in Tunisia , (1971), after touring the remains of Carthage standing beside a foot from what must have been an enormous statue. I’m about 5’ 10” and came below the ankle where the foot had been broken off. To think how tall the statue must have been , and probably was painted, is mind boggling. 👵🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@JerryFisher]

I really like this reconstruction. In a sense, I'm glad that it can't ever be a precise reconstruction as there is enough missing detail that any of us can fill it in with our imaginations as we interact with it. It is an example of why I think careful and thoughtful reconstructions using the surviving elements of ancient sculptures can be as meaningful to visitors as the fragmentary originals today. It is one thing to be told what something looked like. It is quite another when it is presented in a physical form that we can actually see and touch.

[@DariusArya]

Great observations!

[@kilolucifer1]

Is the mystery piece the naval of the statue?

[@Tyche42]

I notice there are slots also in the existing portion of the colossal head. I assume for a diadem or perhaps wreath? I wonder why they chose not to reconstruct that?

[@DariusArya]

Too much speculation, I imagine … a bit of less is more

[@Jthe5th]

I noticed that too and I have to say I am also curious as to why they left that out. Looking at coins of Constantine I see him wearing either a laurel wreath or various types of diadems but all are behind and above his ears and well behind any of his front end hair that can be seen from ear to ear, however the locations of those slots are between the eyes and the ears, not above the ears and under the top part of the ears, so that kind of goes against the relief coin representations. Some 3D reconstruction before just added some hair in the areas of the slots, maybe it has also something to with with being a reused statue of Jupiter, but I don't expect them to have had the emperor with exposed slots like that in his time.

[@nicolaverlato9119]

the sculpture was evidently conceived, by the roman artists, with an anamorphic effect : the proportions of head and arms are larger than the ones of the legs which appear to be very short. Based on this kind of anamorphic treatment we should conclude that the sculpture was positioned on a tall pedestal. The anamorphosis was applied on the figure in order to compensate the perspectival diminuition given by the position of the viewer. I think it would have been smart to build a tall pedestal for the sculpture in oder to truly appreciate its imposing beauty

[@thomasnoble1816]

I appreciate the emphasis that this is what the original MIGHT have looked like. Too many reconstructions are presented as fact when they are actually possibilities.

[@DariusArya]

Exactly - pays to watch the end of my videos! I love to riff on the scholarship ✌️

[@pedrozatravel]

It is amazing to me how they can reconstruct the whole statue with so little.

[@elyssian6015]

Loved experiencing the Sculpures throughout the Museums around Italy a few years ago. My very favorite sculpure by Michelango i experienced was in the La Pietas, in the Museo del 'Oera Duomo in Florence, St. Peter's Basilica and at Vatican City, Rome. Thank you Darius

[@DariusArya]

Thank you!

[@ashharris7293]

Darius, researching some other coins, in the catalogue I came across a presentation medallion that may actually come from the unveiling of the statue! RIC VII 279 AE40 Gilded AE Rome mint. Reverse is Crispus holding a trophy in military dress presenting a Phoenix on an orb to Constantine in the pose and dress of the statue! The orb on the statue may have had a Victory or Phoenix on it originally. Constantine's empty military dress is leaning on his chair (or he's siting on it). Take a look at this coin!

[@ericastier1646]

Superb presentation, thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@DariusArya]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ericastier1646]

@@DariusArya Yes Darius the video was well organized and the pace nicely generous, not too fast. Your narration is great.

[@havencaylor8975]

Wowzers! We were at the Capitoline Museum July of 2022 to see the original fragments of Constantine for the 2nd time. Cannot wait to return to see the colossal copy as we make our 3rd visit.

[@Ericotheriault]

Absolutely Magnificent….bringing the past to life …great video presentation

[@fishbone2921]

Amazing work. Thank you Darius.

[@DariusArya]

My pleasure

[@garryferrington811]

Nice job of conjecture, gives us a pretty good idea of what it may have been.

[@DariusArya]

Thanks 👍

[@marial8235]

This is an awesome reconstruction. It really is great to see it in such a beautiful setting. Nero’s colossus was likely much bigger? I doubt the Church would want Nero reconstructed,lol. Thanks as alwaysDarius❤

[@DariusArya]

Love to see it - 120 feet high!

[@stacymacpherson2048]

Love this channel!!! I hope to get signed up for a class soon! Thank you for all the beautiful amazing histories you share🙏👍👍❤️

[@DariusArya]

Thank you!

[@Insectoid_]

I would love for more projects like these. And thank you so much for this

[@NjK601]

Great videos, I'm curious, did they ever build any statues etc, for General Belisarius? His reconquest, seems like an interesting chapter, in Roman/Byzantine history.

[@martinstensby2011]

Thanks, Darius! See you this evening on your free video seminar series, which are very good I think!

[@DariusArya]

Glad you like them! See you tonight! For anyone else_ just get the newsletter via ancientromelive.org for links

[@RemseyYT]

I saw it in the Capitoline Museum. It's amazing. They should put the copy in the Basilica at the Forum!

[@DariusArya]

two difference managing entities... so I understand why it is where it is- and not the original location...

[@carausiuscaesar5672]

How does it compare to the statue of Constantine the Great outside York Minster?

[@DariusArya]

kind of apples to oranges I think...

[@rebuzz6866]

Would like to find out about production of the bricks and other building materials that had to be massive in roman times.

[@daveowenmusic1749]

Always a great explaination of these artifacts, colossal as it may be! Thanks, again!

[@DariusArya]

Grazie!

[@Breakfast_of_Champions]

With each of your videos I become more of a Roman!😀

[@DariusArya]

Haha I hear you!!

[@Insectoid_]

A woman from Twitter told me about your channel. I wish I could find her again. If you read this, thank you for telling me about this great channel. I was UAP David / Bug ❤

[@Sennmut]

Good to see him back, but...Why not erect the statue in the Basillica of Maxentius and Constantine, where it was long ago? Could that building be restored?

[@DariusArya]

Reconstruction is owned by city superintendency. Basilica is managed by Parco Colosseo entity… it’s possible an agreement can be made…

[@Sennmut]

Hopefully, one day. It just seems like it would be more fitting, somehow.

[@baswiltink9522]

Amazing:) Glad it's at the place were it belongs most

[@flaviopitanga65]

Awesome. Thanks for posting this beautiful piece of art ❤

[@DariusArya]

My pleasure 😊

[@Orthodoge]

The should display it in the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, where it was originally

[@DariusArya]

That would be fantastic. But, as I noted in other comments, the original pieces are in the museum- and it's their project and reconstruction. The basilica is governed by a different entity... So I think it's unlikely, at least for the moment.

[@mikki3961]

It is magnificent! Grazie.

[@suleymanakkaya9355]

Thank you very much

[@jan-toreegge9252]

Great to see it has been brought to Rome. Will take a look on my next trip.

[@DariusArya]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@rebuzz6866]

Haw these statues were made, transported and haw the workshops were organised?

[@benbridgwater6479]

Hi Darius, in your first video on the statue you showed a renaissance sketch of the pieces, including heads with figures standing behind them. Could you give a reference to this sketch? When does it date to ?

[@DariusArya]

16-17th century.. not sure- have to check the publication catalog

[@benbridgwater6479]

@@DariusArya Thanks - it's interesting to see the hand with the finger still missing at that stage,

[@user-bc4kt6nc1p]

Thanks. Will it stay there or is it temporary?

[@DariusArya]

Great question. Speaking with the museum director, this certainly is going to be home for the time being... 2025 will see a lot of movement in the city for the Jubilee year... Civilta' Romana Museum (famous cast museum in EUR) is going to reopen then... I speculate it would also be a great home... For now, let's enjoy it here!

[@debsbennett5632]

Fabulous. Thank you

[@DariusArya]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sebastianmaharg]

Darius, isn't Constantine's head missing the radiate crown? There are those square grooves that suggest it probably dawned one, right?

[@DariusArya]

Possibly. Huge holes on side of head are also concerning the sideburns.. No continual holes around the head, though, for radiate crown...

[@dayros2023]

Great video!

[@DariusArya]

Thanks!

[@scottzema3103]

The square holes on the side of the head. Why not an attached wreath or crown?

[@boyvale]

Flying to Rome for the 2nd time tomorrow. Missed the Capitoline Museum the first time so it's definitely on my itinerary this time.

[@DariusArya]

Enjoy!

[@harrisedgar]

What a wonderful work and result...!!! Geat video BTW..!!! (as usual)

[@DariusArya]

Thanks again!

[@MarthaArya-x1x]

Wonderful!

[@johannesnicolaas]

The soul of Augustus Flavius Valerius Constantinus is happy!!

[@marthaarya167]

Wonderful!

[@dral9971]

I can only agree with the antiquarians and art historians who believe that the reconstruction is a surprisingly clumsy and artless mistake. There are not many traces of an artist here. The face is bland and dead, the limbs look petrified (pun not intended, or maybe it is), the posture rough and the whole man seems lifeless. This is a piece of marble, nothing else.

[@DariusArya]

It was not an easy project to create, even with all of the technology. Yes, I think there is room for improvement; I'm just happy they went through with the project, followed by accurate scientific study, scan of the original pieces, etc.

[@jeff__w]

I guess I interpret the reconstruction as an attempt to show the existing pieces fitting together in the statue as a whole, the scale of the statue, its acrolithic construction, and so on, rather than as a reflection of its possible aesthetic qualities. Obviously we’d want those qualities to be evident, too, ideally, in such a reconstruction but I still view it as a success, albeit maybe a more limited one.

[@johnfisher247]

How durable will the statue be in the open air? The original was in the Basilica of Maxentius. Why not locate the statue in that location under cover from the open air and weather.

[@DariusArya]

The material is highly resistant - I got this info from the reconstruction team. Also there are precedents for this - calamita cosmica statue - outside for years (now indoors) suffered no real damage!

[@kev3d]

Beautiful. Hail Caesar!

[@wolfox2008]

Is there a 3D model of this statue? I'd love to print it out for my classroom.

[@DariusArya]

The statue IS a 3D model based off the original fragments - show them animated clip of the pieces integrated into the model!

[@wolfox2008]

Yeah, I got that. What I mean is, would we be able to get a 3D model file (STL, OBJ, or other) to print the statue?

[@gabrielemangialavori8732]

Roma 🇮🇹❤️

[@michaelfisher7170]

No way...they recreated it? Holy....this is tge first ive heard if it!

[@raedwulf61]

It's wonderful!

[@DariusArya]

Thank you very much!

[@misaelfraga8196]

He doesn't have the Chi-rho?

[@DariusArya]

Not this statue

[@boilingwateronthestove]

It makes you wonder. Where are the other missing parts?

[@xAntoIRL]

Amazing !

[@DariusArya]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tunnus.123]

Great.

[@mk-apache6161]

Oh they returned it, they're reconstructing it for some reason.

[@rplavigna]

They need to rebuild the colossus of Nero.

[@Despotic_Waffle]

Isnt this the house of that dude who makes anime printouts

[@seandyer93]

They should reconstruct the colossus of Nero next

[@JulieBorges-l4z]

I knew they were working on it

[@DariusArya]

It's perfect for the setting and its proximity to the original fragments. The project is of the Comune di Roma- so it's in their museum- Capitoline Museums.

[@jperez7893]

They need to change the scepter into the labarum

[@hmao4466]

Wow...

[@AsoloTV2310]

The original seems to have slots in the sides of head. What slotted in? A huge crown? A halo? Given his attachment to Christianity it might have been

[@DariusArya]

Yea some sort of crown/ see my first video on the statue

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

Keep in mind that these stone giant were also at times livly painted, who knows what more will uncover,

[@DariusArya]

As noted at end of video…

[@petersclafani4370]

Could have chosen a better emperor or statesman.

[@xaviermarin490]

this is nothing compared to Apennine Colossus located in Villa Pratolino.

[@DariusArya]

That's pretty coo, too!

[@indiosveritas]

Why do many ,many Roman statues have divots on the sides of the head ?

[@DariusArya]

In this case the interpretation is that it was part of the recarving of the portrait.

[@fenecrusader]

I love Roman statues

[@petrapetrakoliou8979]

Shouldn't those holes on the face bear a crown of some sort?

[@larsandrune]

AWFUL man and emperor in so many ways. Just a couple is how he had his own sons, wife , sisters husband and children and others killed for no reason but for paranoia. Another is he took the majority of the empires navy with him to the east leaving Rome and the Western empire defenseless and open to invasion. Ok I do like his statue though, pretty nice

[@DariusArya]

Definitively a controversial figure

[@VLSMITH1000]

He was never a Christian! The biggest phony that ever lived!

[@dimitriosvlissides5781]

A very good wise Emperor He had killedhis son because his second wife wanting to promote her children as successors to the throne on New Rome she said to the Konstatine ,that his son tried to take sexual advances over her which was not true Konstantine at the end he found out the real truth and its said that he had his wife killed? He repented very seriously after that as he also at that time was more into the Christian fath Just stating that he was awful or a controversial person without knowing the details and the habits of that period but just judging with the today's WoKE criteria is really awful.... An Emperor that transformed the Roman Empire to survive for another 1134years

[@VLSMITH1000]

​@@dimitriosvlissides5781HA! HA! CONSTANTINE WAS A BIG LIER! HE CURSED THE JEWS LIKE HITLER!

[@kenrowland7864]

FROZEN in Time....LITERALLY!!!!

[@dadevi]

It doesn't measure up to the old Roman and Greek statues. The body ratio in that statue is off.

[@kitharoidos1089]

Constantine had the statue of Jupiter recarved in his own image? What blasphemy! 😅 I wonder how this was recieved by the populus back in the day! 🤔

[@DariusArya]

It’s a wild theory

[@nondescript2892]

​​@@DariusAryaI don't know about statues of gods..but certainly images and statues of emperors were re-used for other emperors..check out Mary Beard's book on imperial iconography......and as with everything to do with the ancients I use the word " certain" with caution 😄

[@universalflamethrower6342]

Pray for us St Constantine

[@benjaminthomas6663]

Just say no to clickbait arrows.

[@kkupsky6321]

Why leave the square on his temple? Get this guy a crown of olive leaves or something.

[@DariusArya]

I think that they thought it would be too speculative ✌️

[@PatSmith-wi1kz]

They must have used AI to reconstruct

[@DariusArya]

Scanning

[@Gtfobcso2024]

🙄

[@lgbtaresins]

Christian Emperor! Good good

[@Rosie05610]

STOP worshipping Idols of man, and start worshipping God Almighty.

[@LesChicosDolci]

we arent worshipping this statue hunni

[@speedflash9504]

Not impressed!!! No wondered it was torn down.. and the fact it just sits in a random place

[@random22026]

The fallacy continues

[@alanCalhoun2]

I Know it's Constantine The Great But Why is He wearing a Gold Toga and holding the Celestial Orb of The Sun God? Unless this was prior to his adoption to Christianity?

[@DariusArya]

In his lifetime he played both sides of the fence! Deified ruler and Christian…

[@alanCalhoun2]

@@DariusArya I did some research, this colossal of Constantine is a controversy and that is probably the reason there are only a couple remnants from the past. I think this statue might be Fantasy Art work? Congrats, Great Restoration of this Constantine The Great Statue.

[@dylanakent]

How terrible. He is the man responsible for most of the death and war that has happened in history. What a wretched person to pay tribute to.

[@littlebigjohn69]

shouldnt it be protected by weather and possible vandalized .