Roman-era torso sculpture unearthed in Turkey

[guy]

 

A Roman-era male torso sculpture has been excavated from a wall in Western Turkey. It probably dates from the 2nd century AD.

 

 

 

 

Summary: Archaeologists in western Türkiye have found a 1,800-year-old male statue torso embedded in the wall of the Roman-era stadium at Blaundos, an ancient city in Uşak province. The statue, missing its head, arms, and legs, was preserved in place within the stadium’s retaining wall overlooking the dramatic Ulubey Canyon. It has now been moved to the Uşak Museum for conservation.

🏛️ Key Points from the Discovery

Age & Context: The statue dates to the Roman period, around the 2nd–3rd century CE.

Location: Found in Blaundos (Greek: Βλαῦνδος), a city perched on cliffs above the Ulubey Canyon, known as a “fortress city.”

The stadium is roughly 2,000 years old, measuring 140 meters by 37 meters, built directly into the plateau with retaining walls and water conduits.

Condition: Only the torso survives, but its preservation inside the wall suggests intentional reuse of sculpture fragments in construction.

Museum Transfer: The statue is now housed at the Uşak Museum for study and display.

📜 Added Historical Context

Blaundos Origins: Founded by Macedonian soldiers during Alexander the Great’s Anatolian campaign (late 4th century BCE). Later developed under Roman rule.

Urban Features: Excavations have revealed aqueducts, monumental tombs, colonnaded streets, and temples (including a Temple of Demeter).

Reuse of Sculpture: Roman builders often repurposed earlier statues or fragments as construction material, especially in retaining walls or foundations. This practice preserved many artifacts unintentionally.

Cultural Significance: The torso offers evidence that Blaundos was a vibrant Roman city with public buildings, sports facilities, and artistic accomplishments.

⚡ Why It Matters

Archaeological Value: The find highlights Roman reuse practices and offers insights into local sculptural traditions.

 

 

 

https://www.turkiyetoday.com/culture/ancient-male-statue-emerges-from-blaundos-stadium-wall-western-turkiye-3210524#

Edited November 28, 2025 by guy