A marble head of Zeus has been found during excavation work in the Ancient City of Aphrodisias in Aydın. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, in a post with the note 'A unique discovery in Aphrodisias,' said, 'The marble head, reunited with daylight after centuries, showcases the magnificence of Zeus, the most powerful and important god in Greek mythology.'
According to the statement made by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; a marble 'Zeus head' was found in the Ancient City of Aphrodisias, located within the borders of Geyre Neighborhood in Karacasu district of Aydın. The colossal marble head with a beard, carved in relief as an architectural console or part of a console, was found face down at a shallow level in an area 50 meters west of the Temple of Aphrodite. The 66-centimeter-high head underwent preliminary cleaning and conservation to remove heavily solidified soil deposits. The head, made from a single block of medium-grained Aphrodisias marble, is dated to the 2nd-3rd century AD.
The statement said, "The magnificent drill work in the hair and beard belongs to a high-level Aphrodisias sculpture workshop. The sophisticated depiction of the powerful divine image gives the head a strong impact. The delicate technique borrowed from portrait sculpture is used here to give Zeus's classical image a more realistic, contemporary effect, as if he were a breathing god. The head is an extraordinary find of the highest quality and historical significance."
'UNIQUE DISCOVERY'
Culture and Tourism Minister Ersoy also shared on his social media account with the note 'A unique discovery in Aphrodisias: Colossal Head of Zeus,' saying, "The marble head, reunited with daylight after centuries, showcases the magnificence of Zeus, the most powerful and important god in Greek mythology. This important work, found 50 meters west of the Temple of Aphrodite, draws attention with its magnificent workmanship in the hair and beard. Our work will continue unabated to carry Anatolia's rich past to future generations."