Archaeology fascinates me. Especially when easily recognisable treasures are unearthed. "Parts of a giant, exquisitely-carved marble sculpture depicting the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (who reigned from 161AD until his death in 180AD) have been found at an archaeological site in Turkey." So far the statue's head, right arm and lower legs have been recovered. (Paul Rincon BBC News)
Last year the team ....... uncovered fragments of a colossal marble statue of the emperor Hadrian in the rubble.
The room was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 540AD. Archaeologists now believe the room hosted a gallery of sculptures depicting the "Antonine dynasty" - rulers of Spanish origin who presided over the Roman Empire during the second century AD.
Top: The emperor wore army boots decorated with lion skins.
Bottom: Marble head of Marcus Aurelius
From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7580745.stm
7 comments:
I just love that foot!!
Me too, love the foot.
I went to read up on him and it is like the bible. A whole lot of begatting going on!
I swear every time I turn around there is Trajan.
Guess I better read up on him and find out why he is in all the stories I read.
I always wondered how they got through a battle in sandals.
Battlefields are sharp, jagged places. How can you tramp through one with your toes exposed?
Ouch.
I wonder why the torso did not survive...yet the usual 'delicate' parts, face and feet, are intact?
Just seems kinda backwards though, don't it?
Gladiator sandals - they are in again!
Ally McRepuke
Christy, I've been wondering about that too - survival - in such amazing condition - of the head and lower limbs. Marble is fairly amazing stuff - but why the torso is missing, who can tell? Imagine though - being an archeaologist and going on hundreds/thousands of digs and then finally uncovering this foot? Oh my. How overwhelming would that be? How awesome is it?
I thought that about the sandals too - not only *ouch* but talk about freezing your toes off! I guess they had to be very, very tough - hardy people.
Rachel - you're right - those sandals are worn and change very little, year after year, don't they?
I am all for sandals, as long as I can wear steel toed boots for an ass whipping.
Something very weird happened to that statue. The breaking is not natural nor would it be due to mutilation.
I guess weird things happen in earthquakes.
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