The "Once We Were Like You" exhibition at the Aquincum Museum in Budapest showcases the reconstructed faces of 16 individuals from the Roman city of Aquincum, located in modern-day Hungary. Dating back nearly 1,700 years, one of the most striking figures is a young woman adorned with a laurel wreath, found buried in intricate clothing and unique cork sandals, representing the diverse nature of this ancient society.
This exhibit runs until October 31 and features hyperrealistic silicone models, including intricate details like human hair, eyebrows, and even artificial eyes. Among the faces presented are those of men, women, and a child, each contributing to the historical narrative of a region under Roman rule between the first and fourth centuries.
As sculptor Emese Gábor explains, the face is a pivotal aspect of identity, making reconstructions vital for connecting modern audiences with history. Through these faces, visitors can see the individuals not as mere skeletal remains but as real human beings from the past.
Reconstructing Historical Faces
Aquincum, strategically positioned on the Danube frontier of the Roman Empire, was home to a mosaic of cultures. Genetic and archaeological assessments suggest ties to various locations, including present-day Italy, Scotland, and Syria, as well as associations with ancient Sarmatian and Celtic populations. The ongoing excavation of local cemeteries continues to provide insights into this multifaceted community.
Creating a face begins with a meticulous 3D CT scan of each skull, leading to an exact replica for sculptors like Gábor to work from, minimizing the risk to original artifacts. "The use of advanced technologies, including 3D scanning and CT imaging, allows us to extract as much information from the fossils as possible," she noted. When crafting hyper-realistic models, Gábor employs colored silicone and incorporates real human hair to provide a lifelike appearance.
While ancient DNA analysis can offer hints regarding pigmentation traits, including hair and eye color, there remains a layer of artistry and speculation involved in the process. Hair styles and facial expressions are often educated guesses rather than definitive choices.
Highlighting the Woman in White
Among the reconstructions, Gábor is particularly moved by the story of the woman, known as the Jablonka Road mummy. Though her skeleton was well-preserved, much of her soft tissue had decayed. Found with a laurel wreath and surrounded by artifacts including exquisite garments and a spindle, her burial contained a painted portrait thought to represent a male relative, hinting at personal connections that transcend time.
Gábor remarked on the emotional impact of reconstructing her face: "While I shaped her likeness, the archaeological context and anthropological insights provided by experts painted her story — it was a deeply moving experience." Other featured figures include a young girl, a potential nurse or healer, a construction worker, a military officer, and a blacksmith. Two women, buried face down with their legs bound, seem to have faced violent ends. While their stories are open to interpretation, they provide a stark reminder of the darker aspects of life in Roman times.
The exhibition reveals that many individuals likely endured hard labor and periods of hunger, pointing to the challenges faced by the lower social strata of Roman society — stories rarely captured in historical texts.
Connections and Shared Humanity
The connection these reconstructions create is palpable, according to Gábor. "When you see a face, you see a person — someone who lived, laughed, struggled, and ultimately died. This recognition fosters empathy," she stated. The tactile experience of seeing these life-sized models allows visitors to engage with history in a way digital representations cannot.
Gábor hopes that these interactions will inspire visitors to reflect on the complexity of life surrounding the bones displayed. Behind every skull lies a unique story of humanity, replete with personal triumphs and tribulations, inviting us to remember not just the facts of their existence but the lives they led.
