15/02/2025
5 new statues unearthed in the ancient city of Perge
As part of the Heritage to the Future Project carried out by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, five new statues from the Roman Period were found in the ongoing excavations in the Ancient City of Perge. These works, found in different parts of the ancient city, provide important clues about the artistic understanding of the period and city life.
As part of the Heritage to the Future Project, led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, excavation and restoration work in Perge continues unabated in 2025. Located 18 km east of the city and famous for its sculpture schools in ancient times, the ancient city of Perge has witnessed important discoveries in excavations this year. During the work, five new sculptures were unearthed in different parts of the city.
WHERE THE SCULPTURES ARE FOUND AND THEIR FEATURES
During the excavations; three statues were unearthed to the east of the West City Gate and two statues were unearthed on the East Colonnaded Street. One of the most striking works discovered at the West City Gate was the Aphrodite/Venus statue, approximately 2 meters high. It was seen that the statue was integrated with the figure of Eros, the god of love, sitting on a dolphin at the bottom. According to initial examinations, this elegant work is considered a replica of the Roman Imperial Period, dating back to the 2nd century AD.
FEMALE FIGURES AND THEIR MEANINGS
The other statue unearthed right next to the Aphrodite statue is a standing, dressed female figure that is 1.87 meters high. According to initial findings, it is thought that this statue, which is thought to date back to the Severan Period, may have belonged to a priestess or one of the city’s leading female benefactors. The third statue found in the same area is a dressed female figure unearthed in two pieces and is similar to the other statue.
The two statues found on Perge’s Eastern Column Street depict a female and a male figure. Both of the works, which are dressed, provide important data on Roman Period decorations and monumental sculpture.
AN EXCITING INVENTION IN THE WORLD OF ARCHAEOLOGY
The new studies contribute greatly to the efforts to uncover the rich archaeological heritage of the ancient city of Perge, while also allowing for a better understanding of the city’s historical and artistic identity.
https://www.milliyet.com.tr/ekonomi/perge-antik-kentinde-5-yeni-heykel-gun-yuzune-cikti-7307804
