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AndyCanty
Homosapien
United Kingdom
6782 Posts |
 Posted - 14 May 2008 : 10:31:09 AM
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In this undated image released by France's Culture Ministry Tuesday May 13, 2008, a life size marble bust of Julius Cesar is seen. The bust, probably dated 46 BC, was discovered last year after underwater searches in the Rhone River near Arles, southern France.
(AP Photo/Culture Ministry, C. Chary/HO)
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Main Story
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.
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If all the worlds a stage?
Where's my script???
http://andycanty.blogspot.com/
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Gladius
Homosapien
United Kingdom
2145 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2008 : 4:05:41 PM
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Wow, a true find there, along with the statue!
Do, or do not. There is no 'try' - Yoda
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Nísia
Small mammal
Portugal
773 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2008 : 4:38:12 PM
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The statue features are remarkable! It's amazing how statue buried in mud river could preserve so well the physics features.
"Ars Longa, Vita Brevis"
http://pwp.netcabo.pt/0165818901/index.html |
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Parmenion
Homosapien
United Kingdom
14676 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2008 : 6:37:29 PM
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it does not look to have been too embellished as some of the statues...so could this really be the face of Jules??
Centurion Parmenion
LASCIATE OGNE SPERANZA, VOI CH'INTRATE
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AndyCanty
Homosapien
United Kingdom
6782 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2008 : 7:53:05 PM
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i love the detail of the hair, a lot of time and money was spent on that statue.
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If all the worlds a stage?
Where's my script???
http://andycanty.blogspot.com/ |
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Gladius
Homosapien
United Kingdom
2145 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2008 : 10:42:00 AM
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It is a very classy piece, brilliant that it's still there after all these years.
Do, or do not. There is no 'try' - Yoda
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Achilles
Small mammal
United Kingdom
519 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2008 : 10:45:29 AM
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It's amazing that it hasn't eroded away after all these years.
"My friends, as I have discovered myself, there are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters."
Boris Johnson |
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