Construction workers in Bulgaria have made a fascinating discovery after stumbling upon an “exceptionally well-preserved” marble statue of a Roman man near the ancient city of Varna. The city, previously known as the ancient Greek city of Odessos, holds a rich history dating back centuries.
The workers found the marble statue outside the fortress walls of Odessos, situated in an area filled with alluvium – a mixture of sand, clay, silt, and gravel left behind by streams. It was reported that a small river used to flow through this area, adding to the historical significance of the find.
According to the Varna Regional Museum of History, the statue, believed to have been created in the late second or early third century AD, represents a citizen of Odessos. The museum mentioned that the construction entrepreneur Georgi Kraychev promptly informed them about the discovery, allowing for further investigation into the statue.
Described as slightly larger than human height and crafted from fine white marble, the statue depicts a middle-aged man wearing a Roman toga and holding a scroll. The figure was identified on the statue as Gaius Marios Ermogeniesz, with the name inscribed on the pedestal below his feet. Despite some damage to the man’s right wrist and face, the statue remains largely intact.
Dr. Vasil Tenekedjiev from the museum suggested that the enemies of this public figure might have relocated the sculpture to its present location. The museum also noted that the man’s clothing indicates a positive standing with the Romans, shedding light on his societal status during that era.
Varna, Bulgaria’s largest maritime city, was initially founded as a Greek colony in 570 BC. It later became a major port in the Roman province of Moesia, thriving in the second and third centuries. The city witnessed various historical events, including the armistice signing between Roman Emperor Theodosius II and Attila the Hun in 447.
However, due to attacks from Avars and Slavs in the seventh century, the city was abandoned for a period before being renamed Varna. Today, remnants of its ancient past can still be observed in the present-day Greek Neighbourhood, where ruins of centuries-old structures continue to captivate visitors.
The discovery of this Roman statue adds another layer to Bulgaria’s rich archaeological history, providing valuable insights into the lives and culture of its ancient inhabitants. Excavations and research efforts are ongoing, offering a glimpse into the past and preserving these extraordinary artefacts for future generations to appreciate and learn from.