Headless Statue of Ancient Woman Discovered in Turkey’s “Mother Goddess City”
Discovery and Excavation
Archaeologists have unearthed an 1,800-year-old statue of a woman in the ancient city of Metropolis in western Turkey. The headless sculpture, dating to the Roman era, was discovered during ongoing excavations at the site. Officials from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the find and shared a video of the statue’s excavation on Twitter. The ministry noted that excavations will continue in 2021.
Description of the Statue
The statue is missing its head, but the rest is well-preserved and depicts a woman wearing flowing draped clothing. The artwork was carefully unearthed from a walled area, and workers removed earth from around it.
Metropolis: The “Mother Goddess City”
Metropolis, known as the “Mother Goddess City,” was located in western Turkey, near the ancient port city of Ephesus. It was a center of religious power during the Byzantine Period and has yielded artifacts and structures from various eras, including the classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.
Historical Significance
The statue’s age suggests it was made during the Roman Empire’s control of Anatolia (the Asian part of Turkey). Rome established its Asia Minor province in the region in 133 B.C., with Ephesus as its capital.
Other Discoveries at Metropolis
Previous excavations at Metropolis have uncovered a Roman palaestra (wrestling hall), mosaics, ceramics, a council building, and a columned gallery. Researchers have also discovered huge cisterns dating to the late Roman or early Byzantine period, which likely supplied water to the city.
Ongoing Excavations and Support
Excavations at Metropolis have been ongoing since 1990, supported by the Sabanci Foundation. One of the most prominent features of the ancient city is a Hellenistic theater dating to the third century B.C. Roman-era structures discovered during digs include a sports complex, homes, shops, baths, a public toilet, streets, and roads.
Artifacts on Display
Thousands of small artifacts, including ceramics, coins, glass, and statues, have been discovered at Metropolis. Many of these artifacts are now on display at the Izmir Art and History Museum, Izmir Archaeology Museum, and Selcuk Efes Museum.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of the headless statue provides valuable insights into the art and culture of Metropolis during the Roman era. It highlights the ongoing importance of archaeological excavations in shedding light on the rich history of ancient Turkey.
