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Faustina's Pearls

This bust of Faustina the Elder on a silver denarius shows one of the elaborate hairstyles that were popular with Roman women of the Flavian and Antonine period. Two strings of pearls run down the back of her head, while more pearls are woven into the intricate coiffure. Two circlets of pearls can be clearly seen on top of Faustina's head.

Faustina the Elder lived during the first half of the Second Century. The hair styles of Roman women were, for the most part fairly plain during the Republic and the early empire. From the Flavian Dynasty (A. D. 69 - 96) on, they became more and more elaborate, continuing to do so until well into Byzantine times.

 

 

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