1,800-year-old Roman statue unearthed in ancient city of Blaundos

Archaeologists have uncovered a significant Roman-era statue estimated to be approximately 1,800 years old during ongoing excavations at the ancient city of Blaundos in western Türkiye. The discovery was made within the site's 2,000-year-old stadium, a structure believed to have been originally constructed by Macedonian soldiers who settled in the region following Alexander the Great's Anatolian campaign. This find adds to the rich archaeological heritage of Türkiye, where continuous excavations regularly reveal new insights into the diverse civilizations that have flourished across Anatolia throughout history.

Discovery Context and Preservation

The statue was discovered embedded within the stadium's wall, strategically positioned overlooking the dramatic Ulubey Canyon. This placement within the wall structure ultimately contributed to the artifact's remarkable preservation over centuries. The statue, which lacks its head, arms, and legs, has been carefully transported to the Usak Museum of Archaeology for comprehensive conservation, restoration, and detailed scientific analysis before being prepared for public exhibition.

Artifact Description and Historical Significance

Described by experts as a "beautifully crafted torso," the statue represents a male figure measuring 87 centimeters in height and 47 centimeters in width. Şerif Söyler, the head of the excavations and director of the Usak Museum, provided a preliminary dating for the artifact to the 2nd century CE. He noted that the statue appears to have been repurposed during the Byzantine period, when it was used as filler stone in the stadium's wall—a common practice that inadvertently protected the sculpture from the elements and other destructive forces.

Future Research and Display

Conservation specialists at the Usak Museum have begun the meticulous process of cleaning and stabilizing the ancient sculpture. Museum officials have announced plans for the statue to be publicly displayed following the completion of all necessary scientific analyses and restoration work. This discovery at Blaundos underscores the ongoing importance of archaeological research in Türkiye, where each finding contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex historical layers that define the nation's cultural landscape.