[REVISION HISTORY]

Ancient Marble Statue Uncovered in Sardis

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-03 13:51 UTC → 2026-08-05 13:16 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~city~~ capital of Sardis in the Salihli district of Manisa Province. The figure ~~dates to the early 5th century BCE, making it about 2,500 years old. It~~ was found face‑down, ~~having been~~ 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, ~~calling it a unique discovery that will shed light on~~ noting its significance for Anatolian archaeology. Ongoing scientific examination will ~~look~~ test for ~~possible~~ ancient paint residues, and conservation work is underway before the ~~statue~~ monument is ~~slated for conservation and eventual display in~~ 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.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.