Ancient Marble Statue Unearthed in Sardis

A marble statue dating back 2,500 years has been uncovered in Sardis, an ancient city featured in the Book of Revelation. The discovery was announced by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism in early August. Sardis, located in the Salihli district of Manisa, is about 45 miles east of İzmir.

Images reveal the careful excavation of the statue at the site, showcasing its well-preserved facial features. The statue depicts a young man and measures approximately 7.2 feet in height.

Extraordinary discovery – Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Culture and Tourism Minister

The statue was found to have been used as paving on a colonnaded street during Roman times, positioned face-down, which preserved its details. Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy noted traces of Lydian culture in the statue’s clothing.

Officials described the statue’s large dimensions as rare for its period. The clothing, featuring a thick himation and thin chiton, is unique compared to similar statues from Anatolia and Greece. This highlights its local connection to Lydian culture.

Sardis, once the Lydian Kingdom’s capital, became a significant Persian Empire center. Mentioned in the Book of Revelation, the city is one of the seven churches in Asia Minor addressed by Jesus Christ.

Researchers plan to check for remaining paint on the statue, often painted in ancient times. The artifact is covered in hardened deposits, which conservators will carefully remove while protecting any paint remnants. The surrounding soil will also be examined. Once restored, the statue will be exhibited at the Manisa Museum in western Turkey.

This discovery follows recent archaeological finds in cities referenced in the Book of Revelation. This summer, a mosaic was uncovered in Smyrna, modern-day İzmir, Turkey. In Ephesus, a Roman-era marble bathtub and a reused statue fragment were found.