Great Discovery in Aphrodisias! Unveiled in All Its Glory After Centuries

A marble head belonging to Zeus was found during excavations in the ancient city of Aphrodisias in Aydın. The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, shared this news with the note “a unique discovery in Aphrodisias,” stating, “The marble head, which has reunited with daylight after centuries, showcases the splendor of Zeus, the most powerful and significant god in Greek mythology.”

The marble head of Zeus was found within the boundaries of Geyre Mahallesi in Karacasu district of Aydın, in the ancient city of Aphrodisias. This bearded colossal marble head, carved as a relief on an architectural console or a part of it, was found turned upside down near the surface, 50 meters west of the Temple of Aphrodite.

The 66-centimeter-high head underwent preliminary cleaning and conservation processes to remove heavily solidified soil deposits. The head, made from a single block of medium-grained Aphrodisias marble, is dated to the 2nd-3rd century AD.

“AS IF A GOD WAS BREATHING…”

The statement from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism included the following:

“The magnificent drill work in the hair and beard belongs to a high-level Aphrodisias sculpture workshop. The sophisticated depiction of the powerful divine image gives the head a strong impact. The precise technique borrowed from portrait sculpture is used here to give Zeus’s classical image a more realistic, almost breathing god-like contemporary effect. The head is an extraordinary find of the highest quality and historical importance.”

“UNIQUE DISCOVERY”

Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy also shared the following on his social media account with the note “a unique discovery in Aphrodisias: Colossal Zeus Head”:

“The marble head, which has reunited with daylight after centuries, showcases the splendor of Zeus, the most powerful and significant god in Greek mythology. This important artifact, found 50 meters west of the Temple of Aphrodite, draws attention with its magnificent workmanship in the hair and beard. Our efforts to carry the rich history of Anatolia to future generations will continue without slowing down.”