Roman Memento Mori, Bronze

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Illustration

Arienne King
by Science Museum
published on 19 April 2019
Roman Memento Mori, Bronze Download Full Size Image

A little over 110 mm (4.3 inches) high, this small bronze figure of a skeleton is a "memento mori" (Latin for "Remember you must die"). These figures were handed out at gatherings and celebrations, as a reminder of the threat of mortality which loomed even during times of festivity. This example is unusual because its left arm was used to replace its missing right leg.

Made c. 199 BCE - 500 CE, the figure is now a part of the collection of the Science Museum in London, UK.

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Cite This Work

APA Style

Museum, S. (2019, April 19). Roman Memento Mori, Bronze. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10478/roman-memento-mori-bronze/

Chicago Style

Museum, Science. "Roman Memento Mori, Bronze." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified April 19, 2019. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10478/roman-memento-mori-bronze/.

MLA Style

Museum, Science. "Roman Memento Mori, Bronze." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 19 Apr 2019. Web. 27 Jul 2024.

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