The marble head of Zeus, the most powerful god of Greek mythology, was found during excavations in the Anti City of Aphrodisias.
The ancient city of Aphrodisias, dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, is located in the Karacasu district of Aydin province in western Türkiye.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the bearded colossal marble head, carved in relief as an architectural console or part of a console, was found inverted near the surface in an area 50 meters west of the Temple of Aphrodite.
The 66-centimeter-high head underwent preliminary cleaning and conservation procedures to remove heavily solidified soil deposits.
Made from a single block of medium-grained Aphrodisas marble, the head was dated to the 2nd-3rd century BC.
The description reads “The magnificent drill work on the hair and beard is from a top Aphrodisias sculpture workshop. The sophisticated depiction of the powerful divine image gives the head a powerful impact.
The delicate technique borrowed from portrait sculpture is used here to give the classical image of Zeus a more realistic, contemporary effect, as if he were a breathing god.
The head is an exceptional find of the highest quality and historical significance.”
Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy also posted on his social media account ‘A unique discovery in Aphrodisias: Colossal Zeus Head’, he noted the following:
“The marble head, reunited with the light of day after centuries, displays the splendor of Zeus, the most powerful and important god in Greek mythology.
This important artifact, located 50 meters west of the Temple of Aphrodite, draws attention with its magnificent workmanship in hair and beard. Our efforts to carry Anatolia’s rich past to future generations will continue unabated.”
