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Roman Ruler's Head Found in Sewer [Emperor Constantine]
BBC ^ | July 29, 2005

Posted on 07/31/2005 4:18:37 PM PDT by gopwinsin04

A 1,700 year old carved marble head of Emperor Constatine has been found in a sewer in central Rome. Archaeologists found the 2ft head while cleaning an ancient drainage system in the Roman Forum.

Constantine, wwho reigned from 306 to 337 AD, is known for ending persecution of Christians and founding Constantinapole. Although most of his subjects remained pagans, he is credited with helping to establish Europe's Christian roots by proclaiming religious freedom.

Probably carved between 312 and 325 AD, in may have belonged to a statue of the emporer in full armor.

The heads unceremonious insertion in a blocked drain may have saved it from the plundering of the Forum after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th Century.

It is expected to go on display in Rome's museums after a brief period of restoration.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events; United Kingdom
KEYWORDS: ancientrome; archaeology; godsgravesglyphs; history; italy; leftbehind; statue
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1 posted on 07/31/2005 4:18:37 PM PDT by gopwinsin04
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To: gopwinsin04; zot

At least we know he didn't comit sewercide.

Ping


2 posted on 07/31/2005 4:19:52 PM PDT by GreyFriar (3rd Armored Division -- Spearhead)
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To: gopwinsin04

I wonder if the head came off when the Goths came strolling into Rome.


3 posted on 07/31/2005 4:21:49 PM PDT by mainepatsfan
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To: GreyFriar

AAAAAARRRRGH!


4 posted on 07/31/2005 4:22:05 PM PDT by Tax-chick (Standing athwart history, shouting, "Turn those lights off! You think electricity grows on trees?")
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To: GreyFriar

Rim shot!


5 posted on 07/31/2005 4:22:40 PM PDT by gopwinsin04
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To: gopwinsin04
In the sewer? Now that was just plain rude.


6 posted on 07/31/2005 4:22:52 PM PDT by rdb3 (I once had a handle on life, but I broke it.)
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To: SunkenCiv

GGG Ping!


7 posted on 07/31/2005 4:22:53 PM PDT by wagglebee ("We are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom." -- President Bush, 1/20/05)
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To: GreyFriar

But still a crappy way to end up.


8 posted on 07/31/2005 4:23:10 PM PDT by ItsForTheChildren
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To: gopwinsin04

Looks to me that it is a head from a sarcophicus.

A monumental statue of Constantine wouldn't represent him with sunken eyes and closed eye lids.

It's a death mask which is much more significant.


9 posted on 07/31/2005 4:23:21 PM PDT by beaver fever
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To: rdb3

Glad to see that you are back freeping. I hope you are recovering well.


10 posted on 07/31/2005 4:24:42 PM PDT by dc27
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To: beaver fever

So perhaps it was hidden in the drain to prevent looting by the Moslems?


11 posted on 07/31/2005 4:26:05 PM PDT by gopwinsin04
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To: blam

You might be interested in this...


12 posted on 07/31/2005 4:26:38 PM PDT by Dog (Every-time a liberal whines, an angel gets its wings.)
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To: gopwinsin04
Are they sure they got the right name for this guy? Maybe his name was actually Commodius. B-)

Commodius
13 posted on 07/31/2005 4:27:49 PM PDT by Nowhere Man (Ham Radio Operator's Lament - "No wanna work, wanna talk on radio!")
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To: GreyFriar
At least we know he didn't comit sewercide.

That would've been prefect if you hadn't misspelled 'commit'!

 

 

heh heh

14 posted on 07/31/2005 4:28:36 PM PDT by snarks_when_bored
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To: GreyFriar

15 posted on 07/31/2005 4:29:27 PM PDT by tiredoflaundry (Tampa Bay, Fl. The lightning capital of the world!)
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To: mainepatsfan
Here's the other potraits from museums online.


16 posted on 07/31/2005 4:29:44 PM PDT by gopwinsin04
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To: gopwinsin04

They look like before and after shots.


17 posted on 07/31/2005 4:32:27 PM PDT by mainepatsfan
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To: gopwinsin04

"1700 years in a sewer! You wouldn't believe all the S#@& I've seen.


18 posted on 07/31/2005 4:35:13 PM PDT by Lockbar (March toward the sound of the guns.)
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historic bttt


19 posted on 07/31/2005 4:38:29 PM PDT by AmericanArchConservative (Armour on, Lances high, Swords out, Bows drawn, Shields front ... Eagles UP!)
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To: Dog
"You might be interested in this..."

You're correct...I post here two days ago.

Emperor's Decline And Fall (Constantine)

20 posted on 07/31/2005 4:38:36 PM PDT by blam
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