Statue a life-size Roman emperor in the form of Heracles, the hero of Greek mythology, was discovered during sewer repair work near the Appian Way (Appia Antica), the first major public road of ancient Rome.
The discovery was made – with the face emerging first – as a bulldozer dug through old pipes that needed to be replaced. The archaeologist supervising the work immediately intervened.
“This face appeared and was then immediately recognized as a character dressed as HerculesFrancesca Romana Paolillo, an archaeologist at the Appia Antica park, told Reuters and the Athens News Agency relayed.
The marble sculpture, which shows a Hercules-like figure with a lion’s skin and the hero’s trademark club, was discovered on January 25 in Scott Park, part of the Appia Antica green area.
This displays forehead wrinkles characteristic of depictions of emperors from the 3rd centurya time of deep crisis for the Roman Empire.
The sculpture has a “pure likeness” to the emperor Decius, who ruled the Rome from 249 to 251 AD, Paolillo said, adding that it is “rare enough» the discoveries of depictions of Roman leaders with the characteristics of Hercules.
The statue, consisting of several broken pieces and damaged during its accidental discovery, it is currently being cleaned and restored.
Reuters saw the statue while it was stored in an ancient Roman water cistern that has now been converted into a warehouse. Once repaired, the statue is expected to be displayed in a public space.
Decius was the first Roman emperor to be killed in battle – fighting against the Goths in what is now Bulgaria – and was behind the first organized persecution of Christians.
When it comes to the ancient history of Rome, accidental discoveries of archaeological treasures are not uncommon when digging up city streets or parks.
In January, archaeologists said they had given up searching for the remains of the opening of the Appian Way because groundwater made it impossible to dig deep enough.
Source: News Beast
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