The ancient city of Aphrodisias, located in the Geyre neighborhood of Karacasu district in Aydın province, western Turkey, has long been celebrated for its exceptional marble sculptures. Recently, this iconic city of sculptors added another remarkable find to its legacy—a marble ‘Zeus head’—unearthed during ongoing excavations.
The discovery was announced by Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, who described it as a “unique discovery in Aphrodisias.” The colossal marble head, which had remained buried for centuries, was found near the surface, 50 meters (164 feet) west of the Temple of Aphrodite.
Stone head of Zeus, found near the Temple of Aphrodite, in Aphrodisias, Turkey. (Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey)
The Marvel of Aphrodisias: Zeus Brought to Life
The bearded Zeus head, measuring 66 centimeters (26 inches) in height, was crafted in the 2nd-3rd century AD from a single block of medium-grained Aphrodisias marble. Preliminary cleaning and conservation efforts have revealed the head’s intricate details, showcasing the mastery of the city’s renowned sculptors.
In a statement from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Zeus head was praised for its magnificent craftsmanship.
“The magnificent drill work on the hair and beard belongs to a top Aphrodisias sculpture workshop,” the statement read.
The realistic depiction of Zeus, with its sophisticated techniques, gives the marble sculpture an almost lifelike quality, “as if he were a…
