Posted on 05/13/2008 6:41:24 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
PARIS - Divers trained in archaeology discovered a marble bust of an aging Caesar in the Rhone River that France's Culture Ministry said Tuesday could be the oldest known.
The life-sized bust showing the Roman ruler with wrinkles and hollows in his face is tentatively dated to 46 B.C. Divers uncovered the Caesar bust and a collection of other finds in the Rhone near the town of Arles — founded by Caesar.
Among other items in the treasure trove of ancient objects is a 5.9 foot marble statue of Neptune, dated to the first decade of the third century after Christ.
Two smaller statues, both in bronze and measuring 27.5 inches each also were found, one of them, a satyr with his hands tied behind his back, "doubtless" originated in Hellenic Greece, the ministry said.
"Some (of the discoveries) are unique in Europe," Culture Minister Christine Albanel said. The bust of Caesar is in a class by itself.
"This marble bust of the founder of the Roman city of Arles constitutes the most ancient representation known today of Caesar," the ministry statement said, adding that it "undoubtedly" dates to the creation of Arles in 46 B.C.
Among other things, researchers are trying to uncover "in what context these statues were thrown into the river," said Michel L'Hour, who heads the Department of Subaquatic Archaeological Research, whose divers made the discovery between September and October 2007.
The site "has barely been skimmed," L'Hour told The Associated Press, adding that a new search operation will begin this summer.
He said the Arles region, in the Provence region of southern France, with its Roman beginnings, and the Rhone are "propitious" for discoveries.
Albanel called the find "exceptional" and said that the Caesar bust is "the oldest representation known today" of the emperor.
Divers also found a huge marble statue of Neptune, dated from the third century.
In this undated image released by France's Culture Ministry Tuesday May 13, 2008, a life size marble bust of Julius Cesar is seen. The bust, probably dated 46 BC, was discovered last year after underwater searches in the Rhone River near Arles, southern France. (AP Photo/Culture Ministry, C. Chary/HO)
If you're the folks who found this, how do you follow up that act?
Quite the stylish haircut.
Ping.
Thanks for this post. Interesting stuff.
that was my first thought as well.
Would look nice on the mantel.
Men’s hairstyles haven’t changed much have they?!?! LOL!
It might not have been thrown into the river at all. Rivers do change their course over time.
The bust reminds me of Charles Bronson from the Death Wish films..
Nice nice find, add in the finds of gold and jewelry in the German river and underwater archeology is quickly becoming the cutting edge, the mask and air tank are replacing the brush and screen...
Speaking for myself, I would love for some old Constantinian Bibles to come to light....
looks like Sinatra in his later years.
“Hail, Caesar!” Bump!!
Or, some barbarians were on the way.
Copyright© 46 B.C. Kinko's
A garlic-nosed Italian?
Ooooooooohhhhh! That statue of Neptune would look great on the rise behind my pool!
That’s Ross Perot,says so on the lower left shoulder.
Remarkable condition
You find a statue of Brutus with a knife in his hand.
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