Genius of the Senate

This statuette is considered to be a representation of the Genius of the Roman Senate, due to its similarity with other images stamped on coins and reliefs. It was found in the temple of Diana in Mérida. It is made of brass and represents an old bearded man wearing a toga and tunic. In his left hand he may have been holding a book and his right hand was probably pointing. His hair is held back with a type of hairband or 'taenia', a common feature in depictions of this figure. It may have once stood on the walls of the temple of Diana, and is thought by archaeologists to be related with the temple’s dedication to the cult of the empire.