The Discovery of Colourful Scylla Sculptures!
Recent archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Laodicea, located in Turkey’s Denizli Province, have brought to light a fascinating discovery—a collection of vibrant Scylla statues. These ancient sculptures were uncovered during the restoration of the Western Theater’s stage building, a structure that dates back to the second century BCE. This remarkable find is part of the ongoing “Legacy for the Future Laodicea Project.”
Photo Credit: Nuri Ersoy
The Historical Significance of Laodicea
Laodicea, founded between 261-253 BCE by Antiochus II Theos, king of the Seleucid Empire, was once a bustling trading centre in Asia Minor. The city’s significance grew even further after it came under Roman control following the Roman–Seleucid War. It became one of the most important commercial hubs in the region, renowned for its well-preserved ancient structures, including a stadium, bathhouses, temples, two theatres, and a bouleuterion.
Today, Laodicea continues to be a treasure trove for archaeologists, revealing secrets from the past with each excavation.
The Discovery: Colorful Scylla Statues
Under the leadership of Professor Celal Şimşek from Pamukkale University, the excavation team discovered a series of colorful and intricately designed Scylla statues. These statues are particularly noteworthy for their preservation in their original painted form, a rarity in archaeological finds. Dating back to the early 2nd century BCE, these statues were crafted by the Rhodian sculptors Athanadoros, Hagesandros, and Polydoros. They are among the earliest examples of their kind, showcasing the baroque style that was characteristic of the Hellenistic period.
Scylla, a monstrous figure from Greek mythology, is known for her terrifying presence in Homer’s Odyssey. She is depicted with the upper body of a woman and the lower body surrounded by six wild dogs’ heads. According to the myth, Scylla resides in a cave on one side of a narrow strait, opposite the whirlpool of Charybdis. As sailors, including Odysseus, attempt to navigate these treacherous waters, they often fall victim to Scylla, who devours six of Odysseus’s men.
The newly discovered statues vividly capture this harrowing scene. Among the sculptures are the head and hand of Scylla, the body of Odysseus, and parts of a ship’s prow, all preserved with their original, vibrant paint. Professor Şimşek noted the exceptional condition of these sculptures, highlighting the detailed and realistic portrayal of the mythical attack.
Photo Credit: Nuri Ersoy
A Rare and Valuable Find
The discovery of these Scylla statues is not only rare but also of great importance for historical and artistic research. Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, expressed his excitement about the find, emphasizing the significance of these statues as rare examples of the baroque style of the Hellenistic period that have survived with their original paints intact.
In addition to their artistic value, these statues represent a key moment in history, marking the transition from paganism to Christianity. This is evidenced by the broken statues found discarded beneath the theater’s stage, hinting at a time of religious change and cultural shift.
The only other known copy of a similar Scylla statue group was discovered in Sperlonga, Italy, in 1957, dating from the early Roman period. However, the statues unearthed in Laodicea are believed to be from the late Hellenistic to early Imperial periods, specifically between 27 BCE and 14 CE. This makes the Laodicea statues even older and more significant, shedding new light on the artistic and cultural heritage of the ancient world.
As excavations continue, Laodicea promises to reveal even more of its ancient secrets, offering a glimpse into the rich and complex history of this once-thriving city.