2,500-Year-Old Statue of Young Man Unearthed in Turkey's Sardis Ancient City

A significant archaeological discovery has been made at the ancient city of Sardis in Turkey's Manisa province, with the unearthing of a nearly 2,500-year-old marble statue. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the find, describing it as an "unparalleled discovery that will shed light on Anatolian archaeology."

The monumental statue, standing 2.2 meters tall, depicts a standing young man and dates back to the first half of the 5th century BCE. Its impressive size, well-preserved condition, and distinctive clothing details offer valuable insights into the art and social life of the Lydian period. The statue was found in two large pieces, with some smaller fragments and the feet missing. It is believed to have been used as a repurposed stone in the pavement of a colonnaded street during the Roman era.

Remarkably, the statue's preservation is attributed to its placement face down, which protected its features over the centuries. Minister Ersoy highlighted the unusual garment details on the statue, which bear traces of Lydian culture. The figure appears to be holding a piece of fruit, adding another layer of detail for understanding the life, beliefs, and cultural interactions in Sardis during that era.

Following meticulous scientific examination and conservation efforts, which will include searching for any remaining paint traces, the statue is slated for display at the Manisa Museum. Ersoy expressed gratitude to the teams involved in the excavation and discovery of this significant artifact.

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Sardes'te Anadolu arkeolojisine ışık tutacak eşsiz bir keşif! Manisa’daki Sardes Antik Kenti’nde yürütülen kazılarda, MÖ 5. yüzyılın ilk yarısına tarihlendirilen yaklaşık 2 bin 500 yıllık genç erkek heykelini gün yüzüne çıkardık. 2,2 metre yüksekliğindeki mermer heykel, anıtsal boyutu, iyi korunmuş yapısı ve dikkat çekici ayrıntılarıyla dönemin heykeltıraşlık sanatının nadir örnekleri arasında yer alıyor. Roma Dönemi’nde sütunlu caddenin döşemesinde devşirme taş olarak kullanılan eser, yüzü aşağıya bakacak şekilde yerleştirilmesi sayesinde yüzyıllar boyunca önemli ölçüde korunmuş. Üzerindeki alışılmadık giysi detayları ise Lidya kültürünün izlerini taşıyor. Elinde bir meyve tuttuğu görülen heykel, dönemin Sardis’indeki yaşamı, inanç dünyasını ve kültürel etkileşimini anlamamıza katkı sağlayacak önemli veriler sunuyor.