Statue of Roman Ruler Unearthed in Turkey

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.
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