-PJ
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.
He was the ruler of the known world at that point, or just a little afterwards before being killed in 44BC. So, technically, he was already world famous.
The more I look at the picture, the more life-like it becomes. What a marvelous piece of work.
Well, he DID overthrow the republic...
Assuming all good Romans thought that the potency of Rome would last forever, you could make an argument for yes.
-PJ
Not my first thought.
“... while great Caesar at the deep Euphrates was thundering in war ...” - Virgil
http://www.biof.com/gifs/BSN221083.jpe
Bust of Augustus with the same claw in the haircut.
How do I post a picture?
I know, and I'm sure he had a huge ego. I should have put it this way: he could never have imagined the scope and endurance of his fame.
If I understand your post #40, AlmaKing, that's the ethos aspect of these sculptures.
You need to see this, my friend.
Thanks for the ping!
These are incredible finds (said as one who wanted to be an archaeologist in her long ago youth). :)
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Thanks RDTF. I wonder how they're sure of the identity? Every statue of Caesar looks like a different person. :') I've been kinda fascinated and amazed by the continuous existence of Caesar's pyre, the site of which has been preserved throughout the centuries, and generally receives fresh flowers at least once a day. |
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There was a ruler of the world,
Who had a little curl,
Right in the middle of his forehead.
When he was Consul he was very good
When he was Imperator, he was horrid.
To me he resembles Tom Brokaw
Nice! Of course, Caesar was leapyears better than the scumbag thugs who murdered him.
On the Vanity of Earthly Greatness
The tusks which clashed in mighty brawls
Of mastodons, are billiard balls.
The sword of Charlemagne the Just
Is Ferric Oxide, known as rust.
The grizzly bear, whose potent hug,
Was feared by all, is now a rug.
Great Caesar’s bust is on the shelf,
And I don’t feel so well myself.
— Arthur Guiterman
I agree. It looks like a real person.
That’s not Caesar, that’s Anthony Giordano.
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