Roman Sculpture Head Found at the Tombe di Via Latina, Reused in the Foundations of a Christian Basilica

A spectacular stone head, possibly representing a bearded male deity, has been discovered in the archaeological area of the Tombe di Via Latina in Rome, during excavations at the Basilica of Santo Stefano. The Istituto Centrale per il Restauro (ICR) in Matera will now be in charge of its study and restoration.

The stone-carved head was found in the foundations of the Basilica of Santo Stefano, indicating that it was reused as construction material in medieval times.

The face still presents significant layers of mortar that make full identification difficult, but its features —a carefully sculpted beard and a solemn expression— suggest it could be a Roman deity or a mythological figure.

head statue rome — Detail of the head. Credit: Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica

The sculptural fragment has begun a journey to the city of Matera, where the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro in Matera, in collaboration with students from the Scuola di Alta Formazione per il Restauro, will carry out detailed documentation, technical analyses, and diagnostic studies to determine its origin, age, and carving technique.

The goal is not only to restore its legibility, but also to place it in its historical context. Was it part of a monumental statue? Was it venerated before being buried in the basilica? These are some of the questions researchers seek to answer.

The finding could provide valuable insights into the cultural dynamics of Late Antique Rome (4th–6th centuries AD), a transitional period between the pagan world and Christianity. The reuse of sculptures in Christian buildings was not uncommon, but each case is unique.

Although the identity of the figure represented has not yet been confirmed, hypotheses point to Jupiter, Serapis, or even a philosopher. The beard and majestic expression suggest a god or a sage, and the careful removal of the mortar might reveal inscriptions or hidden details.