A Marble Head of Zeus found in Ancient Aphrodisias!

In an exciting archaeological discovery, a marble head of Zeus has been uncovered in the ancient city of Aphrodisias, located in the Geyre neighborhood of Karacasu district, Aydin province, in western Türkiye. This remarkable find was recently announced by Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who hailed it as “a unique discovery in Aphrodisias.”

The colossal marble head, standing at an impressive 66 centimetres tall, was found lying upside down near the surface, just 50 metres west of the Temple of Aphrodite. This suggests that it might have been part of an architectural console or a similar structure. Carved from a single block of medium-grained marble unique to Aphrodisias, this artifact is believed to date back to the 2nd or 3rd century CE.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey

Minister Ersoy remarked on the significance of this find, stating, "The marble head, which has met daylight again after centuries, showcases the magnificence of Zeus, the most powerful and important god in Greek mythology." He also highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship visible in the detailed drill work on the hair and beard, which speaks volumes about the high-level sculpting techniques employed by the artists of Aphrodisias. "Our efforts to carry Anatolia’s rich past to future generations will continue without slowing down," Ersoy added, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing Türkiye's historical treasures.

The Ministry of Culture further explained that the sophisticated technique used in this sculpture borrows from portraiture, lending Zeus’s classical image a more lifelike, almost breathing presence. Following its discovery, the head has undergone preliminary cleaning and conservation to remove the compacted soil that had accumulated over centuries.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey

Aphrodisias itself holds a special place in history as one of the most important art centres of the Roman period, famed for its abundant marble quarries and the skilled sculptors who worked there. The city’s artists were renowned across the Roman Empire for their virtuoso portrait sculptures and statues of gods, especially those crafted in the Hellenistic style. The proximity of the marble quarries undoubtedly contributed to the city’s prominence, making it a hub for marble sculpture production.

This discovery adds another layer to our understanding of Aphrodisias and its rich artistic heritage, offering a glimpse into the world of ancient sculptors and their exceptional craftsmanship that continues to inspire awe to this day.