# Ancient Marble Statue Uncovered in Sardis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ancient-marble-statue-uncovered-in-sardis
> Updated: 2026-08-05T11:49:00.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 3.

Archaeologists working for Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism have uncovered a 2.2‑metre marble statue of a young man dating to the early 5th century BCE at the ancient Lydian capital of Sardis in the Salihli district of Manisa Province. The figure was found face‑down, reused as a spolia stone in a Roman‑period columned street, which helped preserve its fine details, including Lydian‑style clothing and a fruit held in the hand. The statue was recovered in two large fragments and is remarkably well preserved.

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the find on social media, noting its significance for Anatolian archaeology. Ongoing scientific examination will test for ancient paint residues, and conservation work is underway before the monument is displayed at the Manisa Museum.

The discovery has spurred a surge in visitors to the Sardes Ancient City, with around 60,000 tourists recorded in the first seven months of the year. The site, which showcases layers of Lydian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine heritage, is now highlighted as a key cultural‑heritage attraction in the Aegean region.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: Tourist Surge to Sardes Ancient City as 2,500‑Year‑Old Statue Unveiled

Sardes Ancient City in Turkey saw about 60,000 visitors this year as excavations revealed a 2,500‑year‑old Roman statue, boosting tourism to the multi‑era archaeological site.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tourist-surge-to-sardes-ancient-city-as-2500yearold-statue-unveiled

### 2026-08-03: Turkey uncovers 2,500‑year‑old marble statue at Sardis

Turkey’s Culture Ministry announced the discovery of a 2.2 m marble statue of a 5th‑century BCE youth at Sardis, to be conserved and exhibited at Manisa Museum.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-uncovers-2500yearold-marble-statue-at-sardis

### 2026-08-01: 2,500‑Year‑Old Marble Statue Unearthed at Sardes, Manisa

A 2.2‑metre marble statue of a young man, dated to the early 5th century BCE, was uncovered at Sardes, Manisa. The find, announced by Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, offers new insight into Lydian culture and will

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/traditional-craft-revival-aleppo-wood-carving-and-gmhane-clay-art

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Cite as: Ancient Marble Statue Uncovered in Sardis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ancient-marble-statue-uncovered-in-sardis