04/25/2026
During recent excavations, a majestic white marble statue of the goddess Athena was recovered from the rubble fill near the stage building's exterior wall. Measuring approximately 2 meters in length, this impressive figure was discovered lying face down, a position that likely contributed to the remarkable preservation of its detailed torso.
While the head of the deity has not yet been identified among the site's fragments, the remaining sculpture serves as a prime example of the refined classical aesthetic prevalent during the Augustan period, spanning from 27 BC to 14 AD.
The intentional lack of finish on the back suggests the statue was originally designed for a niche or a specific architectural placement where only the front would be visible to the public. The accompanying image serves as a digital reconstruction, providing a visual interpretation of how this marble masterpiece may have appeared in its original, complete form within the grand setting of the theatre.
This discovery underscores the cultural and religious prominence of Laodicea during the Roman Empire and highlights the sophisticated craftsmanship of the era. This digital reconstruction allows us to bridge the gap between the weathered fragments found in the soil and the artistic splendor that once defined the city's public spaces.
📸: Köksal Bey
