https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250120/large-marble-head-from-ptolemaic-period-unearthed-at-taposiris-magna-in-egypt-1070275285.html
Large Marble Head From Ptolemaic Period Unearthed at Taposiris Magna in Egypt
Large Marble Head From Ptolemaic Period Unearthed at Taposiris Magna in Egypt
Sputnik Africa
Taposiris Magna, founded during the reign of Ptolemy II, is known for its large Osiris Temple, from which the city’s name is derived, and other significant... 20.01.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-01-20T17:44+0100
2025-01-20T17:44+0100
2025-01-20T18:12+0100
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A French archaeological mission, led by Dr. Joachim Le Bomin from the University of Lyon and the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology in Cairo, has uncovered a large marble head at Taposiris Magna, an ancient city located 45 kilometers west of Alexandria, Egypt, the North African country’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced.The head, dating back to the Ptolemaic era, was discovered within the ruins of a 7th-century AD house during ongoing excavations at the site.The marble head, measuring approximately 38 cm in height, depicts an elderly man with realistic and intricately carved features typical of late Hellenistic art. Experts believe it was part of a colossal statue originally housed in a significant public building, reflecting the political and cultural importance of Taposiris Magna during the Ptolemaic period. Preliminary studies suggest the figure was a prominent public official, not a king, highlighting the city’s significance from the reign of Ptolemy IV onward.The discovery raises questions because the dwelling where the head was found is nearly 700 years older than the artifact itself. Dr. Le Bomin and his team are currently investigating the reason for this discrepancy. Restoration and conservation efforts are underway to preserve the artifact, with further studies planned to determine the identity of the depicted figure.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250109/spectacular-discovery-1000-decorated-blocks-unearthed-near-queen-hatshepsuts-temple-in-egypt-1070096093.html
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Large Marble Head From Ptolemaic Period Unearthed at Taposiris Magna in Egypt
17:44 20.01.2025 (Updated: 18:12 20.01.2025) Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
Taposiris Magna, founded during the reign of Ptolemy II, is known for its large Osiris Temple, from which the city’s name is derived, and other significant Greco-Roman and Byzantine-era structures. The site includes a necropolis, a commercial harbor, a Byzantine church, and remnants of a lighthouse reminiscent of the ancient Pharos of Alexandria.
A French archaeological mission, led by Dr. Joachim Le Bomin from the University of Lyon and the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology in Cairo, has
uncovered a large marble head at Taposiris Magna, an ancient city located 45 kilometers west of Alexandria, Egypt, the North African country’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has
announced.The head, dating back to the Ptolemaic era, was discovered within the ruins of a 7th-century AD house during ongoing excavations at the site.
The marble
head, measuring approximately 38 cm in height, depicts an elderly man with realistic and intricately carved features typical of late Hellenistic art. Experts believe it was part of a colossal statue originally housed in a significant public building, reflecting the political and cultural importance of Taposiris Magna during the Ptolemaic period. Preliminary studies suggest the figure was a prominent public official, not a king, highlighting the city’s significance from the reign of Ptolemy IV onward.
The discovery raises questions because the dwelling where the head was found is nearly 700 years older than the artifact itself. Dr. Le Bomin and his team are currently investigating the reason for this discrepancy.
Restoration and conservation efforts are underway to preserve the artifact, with further studies planned to determine the identity of the depicted figure.
