site.btaWell-Preserved Marble Statue from 2nd-3rd Century A.D. Discovered near Varna

An exceptionally well-preserved marble statue of a man in a toga was discovered in Varna, the first such find from the ancient era of the city, Dr Vasil Tenekedjiev of the Regional Historic Museum told BTA. The statue, most likely created in the late 2nd or early 3rd century A.D., has very little damage, specifically a broken off hand and some wear around the face.

The sculpture is a large-scale depiction of an adult man sporting a short beard. His clothing suggests that he on good terms with Rome. The inscription on the pedestal indicates that his name may have been Gaius Marios Ermogeniesz, however, epigraphy experts who are already researching the monument will have the final say on the matter.

Odessos, modern-day Varna, was established in the 6th century BC. When it got conquered by the Roman Empire, its new leadership preserved its internal structures, so its traditions, administrative language and internal government continued to follow the Hellenic standard. The city was thriving at the time when the sculpture was made, so it is no wonder that local citizens could afford to be immortalized in such a way.

The sculpture was found near the ruins of the Roman city, in a spot where a small river used to flow. Tenekedjiev specified that this is not a typical location for such a sculpture, adding that it is possible that enemies of this public figure may have taken it there.

The statue has already been transferred to the Regional Historic Museum where restorers will work on it. Tenekedjiev noted that this latest find is likely even more beautiful than the two statues discovered in the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica (near Petrich, Southwestern Bulgaria) earlier this year, in July and September 2024.