Marylore Heck by Andrea Gori for Models.com March 2026

Discovery of a Statue of Nero Being Crowned by his Mother Agrippina, the Sebasteion at Aphrodisias, Turkey, 1979

Agrippina crowns her son Nero with a laurel wreath. Agrippina carries a cornucopia, symbol of Fortune and Plenty, and Nero wears the armour and cloak of a Roman commander. He held a spear, now broken off, in his right hand and probably an orb (symbol of world rule) in his left hand. His helmet (removed for the crowning) lies on the ground at the side. Both figures are clearly identifiable by their portraits. The scene refers to the emperor’s accession in AD 54 and belongs before AD 59, the year in which Nero had Agrippina murdered.

Relief at Naqsh-e Rajab depicting the Sasanian king Shapur I followed by his sons and nobles, 3rd century CE. Shapur I, known as “the Great,” was the second ruler of the Sasanian Empire (c. 240–270), initially co-ruling with his father Ardashir I. He expanded and consolidated the empire, waging major campaigns against the Roman Empire, capturing key cities and even defeating and capturing the emperor Valerian in 260.

Rather than holding Roman territories, he focused on plunder and resettlement, strengthening cities like Gundeshapur. Shapur also promoted state building, founding cities, supporting Zoroastrianism while incorporating foreign influences, and tolerating new movements such as Mani’s teachings. He was the first to adopt the title “King of Kings of Iranians and non-Iranians” and died in 270.