Archaeologists Discover 5 Stunning Roman Statues In Ancient City of Perge

Archaeologists unearthed five Roman statues in Perge (Greek: Πέργη), a well-preserved ancient city in today’s Turkey, highlighting the rich artistic legacy of Greek and Roman cultures.

A city rooted in Greek heritage

While its early history remains debated, Perge likely saw Greek settlement by the 7th century BC, possibly as a colony of Rhodes. After Alexander the Great’s conquests the city flourished. By the 2nd century BC, it began minting its own coins, often depicting the Greek goddess Artemis and her temple.

The city quickly became an important hub for trade, culture, and art under Greek influence. The city’s urban design reflects classical Greek architectural principles, including its grand colonnaded streets, theaters, and temples.

Perge’s significance grew when it became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century B.C., blending Greek artistic traditions with Roman innovation.

Perge has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2009 for its historical and cultural importance.

Remarkable discoveries of ancient statues

The latest excavation efforts have revealed five statues, each offering a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the era.

Among them is a 2-meter-tall statue of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, depicted seated on a dolphin beside Eros, the god of love. Archaeologists believe this statue, dating to the 2nd century A.D., exemplifies Roman adaptations of Greek mythology, merging divine symbolism with lifelike artistry.

Nearby, researchers uncovered a 1.87-meter statue of a clothed woman, attributed to the Severan Period, known for its refined sculptural techniques.

Another similar statue of a clothed female figure, found in two pieces, further underscores the city’s commitment to detailed and realistic art.

On the Eastern Street of Perge, excavations revealed two additional statues – a clothed man and woman standing side by side.

These discoveries provide valuable insights into the social structures and sculptural traditions of the ancient Greek city of Perge, highlighting the city’s role as a center of artistic production.

A blend of Greek and Roman artistic traditions

Perge’s art and architecture illustrate a seamless blend of Greek and Roman influences. While the city’s early structures reflect Greek designs, Roman rule introduced grand monuments, lifelike sculptures, and detailed frescoes.

Roman Imperial art, flourishing from the 1st century B.C. to the 5th century A.D., drew heavily from Greek and Etruscan traditions. It emphasized realism, human expression, and monumental scale.

Antalya Perge Antik Kenti’nde Geleceğe Miras kapsamında yürütülen kazı çalışmalarında Aphrodite heykeli ile birlikte toplam 5 heykel açığa çıkartıldı pic.twitter.com/Qkp8XGYQSK

— Basileos (@arkeologbirey) February 12, 2025

The newly discovered artifacts highlight Perge’s importance as an artistic hub where Greek mythology and Roman craftsmanship converged, enriching the region’s cultural tapestry.

Preserving Perge’s legacy

The excavations are part of the “Heritage to the Future Project,” an initiative to preserve and promote Perge’s cultural legacy for future generations. As archaeological efforts continue, Perge remains a testament to the artistic and cultural brilliance of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.