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 ...
Constantine: "A funny thing happened on my way to the Forum..."
"How did they know Constantine had dandruff?"
"They found his Head and Shoulders in the sewer."
I wonder if they will use that new product in the restoration................
Crap-Be-Gone.
It only costs $19.95....but for a limited time you can double your order for just..........
LVM
The head got to be around for a lot of global transitions.
Please FREEPMAIL me if you want on, off, or alter the "Gods, Graves, Glyphs" PING list --
Archaeology/Anthropology/Ancient Cultures/Artifacts/Antiquities, etc.
The GGG Digest -- Gods, Graves, Glyphs (alpha order)
So Emperor Constantine looked like Rocky Balboa?
Or maybe Septic Severus?
If this is a likeness of Constantine, he doesn't look at all well. Or maybe a couple thousand years in a sewer did that.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.