Archeologists Accidentally Stumble on Near-Perfect 1,700-Year-Old Roman Statue

Researchers were astounded when they unearthed a Roman-era statue in a shockingly pristine condition from Bulgaria. This statue was discovered by workers while doing survey work for an upcoming construction in Varna, stated My Modern Met. On examination, the team uncovered that the statue had been carved somewhere between the late second and early third century C.E. The aspect regarding the discovery that took the team aback was the state of the statue. Despite being so many centuries old the artifact was in remarkably good shape, having lost only its right arm and nose.

The survey that led to the discovery was happening near an old fortress, according to Good News Network. The construction workers unearthed a statue that depicted the features of a middle-aged man holding a scroll in one hand. The man was carved sporting a Roman-era toga. The artifact was found buried in dirt, surprising experts how it had evaded discovery for so long. Immediately after the statue came to light, construction contractor, Georgi Kraychev notified authorities about it.

The statue was made entirely from white marble. The subject of the statue was unveiled by the inscription at the bottom of the artifact. It was written in Greek and translated to "G(aius) Marius Hermogenes." Researchers weren't taken aback by the fact that the inscription was written in Greek despite the artifact belonging to the Roman era. This was because the city of Varna, previously known as Odessos had popular connections to both the Roman and Greek empires.

The name immediately reminds historians about a certain Gaius Marius, an influential figure from the late Republican era. He has been mentioned in various historical documents due to his position as a Roman statesman, general, reformer, and seven-time consul. However, researchers are hesitant to conclusively claim him as the subject because the timing does not perfectly align.

The statue has been confirmed to have been crafted around the 3rd Century. This is approximately 400 years after Gaius Marius' death. In Roman tradition, a name ran in a family for generations. Hence there is a heavy possibility that the "G(aius) Marius Hermogenes" could be the celebrated Roman consul's son or any other next of kin. Varna Black Sea Regional History Museum is awaiting processes like the restoration and cleaning of the statue. After all the required steps a decision would be taken on the custody of the artifact and its future.