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Statue of Roman Ruler Unearthed in Turkey

Marble Marcus Aurelius discovered amid rubble

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 26, 2008 3:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – A rich archaeological site in southern Turkey has yielded another spectacular find: the head and limbs of an enormous statue of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Excavators at Sagalassos, who had previously discovered bits of Hadrian and the Empress Faustina, say the new discovery, with its 3-foot head, represents some of the finest work of its time, BBC reports.

The emperor's characteristically bulging eyes are gazing upward "as if in deep contemplation, perfectly fitting of an emperor who was more of a philosopher than a soldier," said  the dig-team leader. The statue's torso, thought to consist of bronze armor over a terra-cotta body, was likely crushed during an earthquake, leaving the head, legs and arms.

A much smaller depiction of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, currently housed in the Prado.
A much smaller depiction of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, currently housed in the Prado.   ((c) Zaqarbal)
Marcus Aurelius was one of the five Good Emperors of Rome, following Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, and Antonius Pius to the throne.
Marcus Aurelius was one of the five "Good Emperors" of Rome, following Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, and Antonius Pius to the throne.   ((c) tiseb)
The marble head  of Emperor Hadrian sits on its stand in the British Museum, London, in conservation headgear, shortly after its arrival from Turkey, Wednesday July 16, 2008.
The marble head of Emperor Hadrian sits on its stand in the British Museum, London, in conservation headgear, shortly after its arrival from Turkey, Wednesday July 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/ Max Nash)
Marble head of Marcus Aurelius.
Marble head of Marcus Aurelius.
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