The Dying Gaul - incredible Roman statue

Depicting the mighty of ancient Rome in stone

The Dying Gaul (or Dying Galatian) is an amazing work of art on display in Rome that was sculpted in the early imperial Roman period, copied from a Greek original. Up until the early 20th century, it was mistakenly believed to be a dying gladiator but that is clearly not the case. He is wearing a Celtic torc around his neck and his hairstyle and facial hair suggest a Gaul.

His side is pierced and he contemplates his imminent death. For a Roman audience, this conveyed both the might of Rome but also respect for a worthy foe. He had tried his best but the empire had prevailed. Nevertheless his last moments were fit to be memorialised.