Head to be restored and put on display in museum
A colossal sculpture in the heart of Imperial Rome depicts Emperor Trajan or possibly the god Dionysus.
In central Rome, under Trajan’s Forum, archaeologists have discovered a huge marble head that had been buried for centuries, Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said. The discovery was made during excavations on Via Alessandrina, funded by Italy’s National Reconstruction and Resilience Program.
The head was found in a medieval layer of brick and limestone mortar, likely used as a building material after the fall of the Roman Empire.
According to preliminary estimates, the style and technique of execution indicate a portrait of the imperial type, which may date back to the reign of Emperor Trajan (circa 105-115 AD). The expressive face with wavy hair, high cheekbones and a focused gaze is reminiscent of already known images of Trajan himself. However, some scholars suggest that this may be an image of the god of wine – Dionysus, since a similar head with Dionysian features has already been found in this area.
Scientists are currently preparing to conduct a petrographic analysis to determine the origin of the marble and, possibly, to accurately identify the sculpture. After restoration, it is planned to exhibit it in the Museums of the Imperial Forums.