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.
“Beware the Ides of March” ping.
Fantastic. The artist captured the Bush “smirk”. LOL
Busted!............;^)
LOL.
Doesn’t matter if you insult Italians any more. They’ll have to get used to it.
Soon there won’t be any if the demographic of low birth rate that won’t maintain the population plus the influx of Near Eastern Muslims keeps up.
Whatever happened to all those big Catholic families?
Note: this topic is from 5/14/2008. Thanks Red Badger. Hey, what was the rush?
I see some similarities...............
“Is this some kind of bust?”
“Very impressive, yes.”
My boss’ mother, who was into art (sculpting, painting, etc), was at the company Christmas party many years ago. Her paintings and sculptures were hung here and there around the company. One was a self-portrait bust that was outside in a shady break area next to a picnic table.
She came in the room, and I said, “I know you! I recognize your bust! It’s pretty good!”
I suddenly realized what I had said could have a double meaning, as did everybody else in the room.
I could feel my face getting red as a fire engine when everyone broke out in laughter....................
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