A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made at Taposiris Magna, a historic site located 45 kilometers west of Alexandria, Egypt. A French archaeological mission led by Dr. Joachim Le Bomin, in collaboration with the University of Lyon and the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology (IFAO), uncovered a massive marble head belonging to a monumental statue from the Ptolemaic period. Intriguingly, the artifact was found amid the ruins of a 7th-century A.D. house, raising questions about its journey across centuries to this unusual location.
The huge marble head, measuring 38 centimeters in height, depicts an elderly man with realistic details characteristic of late Hellenistic art. Deep facial wrinkles, a stern expression, and signs of physical ailment suggest the individual was of advanced age and held a significant social status. However, experts have ruled out the possibility of the figure being a monarch.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted the statue’s impressive size indicates it was part of a monumental installation, likely situated in a politically or socially significant building rather than a private residence.
Mohamed Abdel-Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, highlighted the statue’s artistic quality, emphasizing the precision and realism of the carving. This hallmark of Hellenistic art underscores Taposiris Magna’s importance during the reign of Ptolemy IV (221–204 B.C.) as a cultural and political hub.
The marble head’s presence in a medieval house is a captivating enigma. Researchers are investigating how an artifact dating back over 700 years before the house’s construction came to rest there. Dr. Le Bomin confirmed that further studies are underway to determine the identity of the person depicted in the statue and the circumstances of its relocation.
In the meantime, the artifact is undergoing conservation and restoration to ensure its preservation, with plans to feature it prominently in exhibitions that celebrate Egypt’s rich heritage.
This discovery sheds new light on Taposiris Magna, a site with deep historical and religious significance. Its name, derived from the ancient Egyptian “Per-Osir” or “House of Osiris”, reflects its role as a prominent religious center during the Greco-Roman and Byzantine periods.
Taposiris Magna is renowned for its notable landmarks, including: The Lighthouse of Abusir, a structure resembling the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria, located in the area now known as Borg El Arab. The Ptolemaic Necropolis, a network of extensive tombs stretching east and west of the main temple. Byzantine Residential and Commercial Ruins, coastal structures near Lake Mariout showcasing daily life and commerce in later eras. And the Ptolemaic Public Bath, a uniquely designed and well-preserved bathhouse, considered an architectural gem.
Since 1998, IFAO’s archaeological mission has explored the site intensively, uncovering key areas such as the public bath, tombs, and the southern port. Conservation efforts have ensured the protection of these structures for future generations.
This site, known for its connection to Cleopatra VII and Marc Antony, continues to yield artifacts that deepen our understanding of ancient Egyptian history and culture. With each new find, Taposiris Magna reaffirms its place as a cornerstone of archaeological and historical research in Egypt.
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