Posted on 05/14/2008 7:32:18 AM PDT by Red Badger
In this undated image released by France's Culture Ministry Tuesday May 13, 2008, a life size marble bust of Julius Cesar is seen. The bust, probably dated 46 BC, was discovered last year after underwater searches in the Rhone River near Arles, southern France. (AP Photo/Culture Ministry, C. Chary)
Divers trained in archaeology discovered a marble bust of an aging Caesar in the Rhone River that France's Culture Ministry said Tuesday could be the oldest known.
The life-sized bust showing the Roman ruler with wrinkles and hollows in his face is tentatively dated to 46 B.C. Divers uncovered the Caesar bust and a collection of other finds in the Rhone near the town of Arles - founded by Caesar.
Among other items in the treasure trove of ancient objects is a 5.9 foot marble statue of Neptune, dated to the first decade of the third century after Christ.
Two smaller statues, both in bronze and measuring 27.5 inches each also were found, one of them, a satyr with his hands tied behind his back, "doubtless" originated in Hellenic Greece, the ministry said.
"Some (of the discoveries) are unique in Europe," Culture Minister Christine Albanel said. The bust of Caesar is in a class by itself.
"This marble bust of the founder of the Roman city of Arles constitutes the most ancient representation known today of Caesar," the ministry statement said, adding that it "undoubtedly" dates to the creation of Arles in 46 B.C.
Among other things, researchers are trying to uncover "in what context these statues were thrown into the river," said Michel L'Hour, who heads the Department of Subaquatic Archaeological Research, whose divers made the discovery between September and October 2007.
The site "has barely been skimmed," L'Hour told The Associated Press, adding that a new search operation will begin this summer.
He said the Arles region, in the Provence region of southern France, with its Roman beginnings, and the Rhone are "propitious" for discoveries.
Albanel called the find "exceptional" and said that the Caesar bust is "the oldest representation known today" of the emperor.
Divers also found a huge marble statue of Neptune, dated from the third century.
Ping!......
Actually, to me it looks more like Mel Gibson.
Too short.......
they dont say how they know its caesar
There might be a little bit of Paul Newman in there
Previous full size statues of Caesar exist, so they have a fairly good idea it was him.....only older.......
That's what I noticed. All we can say from this article is that a Roman bust was found that may date to 46 B.C. Even if it is supposed to be of Caesar, it does not necessarily look like him any more than any other bust. I would like to know what makes them think it is of Caesar.
Yeah, Evel Knievel.......
Hmm, there IS a resemblance. No doubt Caesar is responsible for the global warming that caused the river to change course and bury his bust...
I noticed that too. How can you even call it a bust without the bust part?
Well, it is busted........
...and he stared a war in Gaul........No blood for cheese!...........
This is definitely an ancestor of Tom Brokaw from the family resemblance.
ROFLOL!
You realize you just insulted all Italians?
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