During the construction of the HS2 rail project in England, a remarkable discovery was made. An 1,800-year-old Roman marble statue was unearthed, shedding light on ancient Roman presence and artistry in the United Kingdom. This find has captivated historians and archaeologists alike, providing a glimpse into the past.
Discovery of the Roman Statue
In April 2023, mechanical digger operator Greg Crawley made an astonishing discovery while working on the construction of a parking lot at Burghley House near Stamford in Lincolnshire. Crawley uncovered a marble head, which experts have dated to the First or Second Century. This head was later identified as part of a larger statue.
The Marble Bust
Two weeks after the initial discovery, the marble bust to which the head once belonged was found. An iron dowel, likely added in the 18th century, was discovered within the marble head. Experts believe this dowel was used to attach the head to a bust or pedestal, a common practice by Italian antique dealers at the time to make ancient relics more appealing to traveling aristocrats.
Historical Significance
It is believed that the ninth Earl of Burghley brought the sculpture back from Italy during one of his tours in the 1760s, when he acquired numerous antiquities. The exact circumstances of how the bust and marble head ended up buried remain a mystery. Speculations range from a botched burglary to someone discarding the statue, only for it to be covered by soil over time.
The Restoration Process
After their discovery, both the marble head and bust were promptly taken to Burghley’s Curator and then sent to a professional conservator. The conservator meticulously cleaned and consolidated the statue, revealing the features of a beautiful Roman lady. The pieces were then reassembled as originally intended.
Public Display
The discovery was reported to the British Museum, and the reconstructed statue will be on display at Burghley House when it reopens for the 2024 season on March 16. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the statue along with a description of its discovery and other sculptures that the ninth Earl purchased during his travels.
Conclusion
The uncovering of the 1,800-year-old Roman statue at Burghley House is a significant archaeological find that offers a tangible connection to ancient history. The meticulous work of archaeologists and conservators has brought this piece of history back to life, allowing the public to appreciate the artistry and history of ancient Rome.
