Missing head of 4th-century A.D. statue unveiled in Türkiye
A statue of a high-ranking public official, dating back to the 4th century A.D., with its newly discovered head added, in Tripolis Ancient City, Denizli, Türkiye, November 19, 2024. (IHA Photo)
The missing head of a 4th-century A.D. statue, believed to represent an upper-class public official, has been uncovered in the ancient city of Tripolis, located in Denizli’s Buldan district. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the discovery, marking a significant achievement on the first anniversary of the “Legacy for the Future Project.”
Minister Ersoy shared the development via social media, emphasizing the importance of preserving Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage. He noted that the statue, attributed to Antonius Philagrios, a prominent public figure, now stands closer to completion as its missing head has been unearthed.
Kültür ve Turizm Bakanı Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Denizli’deki Tripolis Antik Kentinde yapılan kazılarda, milattan sonra 4’üncü yüzyıla tarihlenen üst düzey bir kamu yöneticisine ait heykelin eksik kalan başının gün yüzüne çıkarıldığını bildirdi.
Rediscovery after years
The statue’s torso was initially found in 2018 during excavation efforts and has since been preserved at the Denizli Hierapolis Archaeology Museum. With this new finding, the historical artifact is set to regain its full form.
Minister Ersoy stated:
The missing head of the statue, dating back to the 4th century A.D., has been unearthed during ongoing excavations in the ancient city of Tripolis. This statue, representing Antonius Philagrios, will soon be complete, breathing new life into our understanding of history. Such efforts not only protect our cultural heritage but also bridge the past with future generations.
Step forward for archaeological research
This latest discovery highlights the continuous efforts in Türkiye to preserve and showcase its historical and archaeological treasures.
The completion of the Antonius Philagrios statue symbolizes the enduring commitment to safeguarding the remnants of ancient civilizations.
