Excavation in Bulgaria Unveils Exceptional Roman Statue Found in Ancient Sewer
Archaeologists in Bulgaria have made an extraordinary discovery within an ancient sewer—a well-preserved statue that is believed to date back to the 2nd century A.D. Led by Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski, the team found the statue in Heraclea Sintica, an ancient city near Petrich. This remarkable find is particularly significant as it is the first of its kind ever unearthed in Bulgaria.
During the team's excavations in the area, they came across the statue on the third day of their efforts. Standing over 6'5'' tall, the statue strongly resembles depictions of the ancient Greek god Hermes, corroborating its historical and cultural importance. The archeologists noted that while there are similar statues portraying Hermes, very few are as well-preserved and complete. Regrettably, numerous other statues of this type, particularly their heads, are missing.
The region of Heraclea Sintica, per evidence uncovered by Vagalinski and the Petrich Historical Museum, was an architecturally sophisticated urban center during its time. Their excavations since 2007 have illuminated the elegance and modernity of the ancient city. The team hypothesizes that during the Roman Empire, when Christianity rose to prominence, pagan symbols like these deities were outlawed. It is likely that people buried statues such as this one—a Roman copy of a Greek sculpture—as a means of preservation in response to the ban.
An intriguing theory put forth by Vagalinski suggests that previous residents of the area may have buried the statue in soil following an earthquake. The team shared multiple images taken at various stages of their archaeological dig. The statue, sculpted meticulously from a single marble block by a master craftsman, has piqued considerable interest. To ensure its safekeeping and continued research, plans are in place to use a crane for lifting and transportation to the Petrich Museum. Once restored, the statue will be displayed for public viewing, allowing visitors to marvel at its enduring significance.
This find not only deepens our understanding of the region's rich history but also sheds light on the decorative and cultural practices prevalent during the Roman Empire. It is through invaluable discoveries like this statue that we continue to unravel the story of ancient civilizations and their fascinating legacies.