A striking marble head, possibly depicting a bearded male deity, was recently unearthed beneath a church in Rome—offering a fascinating glimpse into the layering of history and the reuse of pagan artifacts in Christian architecture.
The discovery took place at the archaeological site of the Tombs of Via Latina during excavations at the Basilica of Saint Stephen. The find is now under the care of Italy’s Central Institute for Restoration (ICR) in Matera, which is leading the conservation and study efforts.
A Reused Relic Beneath Sacred Ground
Details of the head (Photo: Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica).
The intricately carved stone head was found embedded in the foundations of the Basilica, indicating it had been repurposed as building material during the medieval era. This practice, while common, was rarely so well preserved—making this statue fragment particularly valuable.
Though still partially obscured by layers of ancient mortar, the sculpture reveals refined details: a meticulously chiseled beard and a stoic expression. These features suggest the head may represent a Roman god or a figure from mythology.
The artifact has since been transported to Matera, where restoration experts and art conservation students are conducting a series of technical and diagnostic studies. Their goal is to determine the statue’s origin, age, and sculptural techniques.
But the restoration goes beyond physical preservation—it’s also about context. Was this head once part of a grand monument? A cult statue in a pagan temple? Or simply a decorative feature? These are the questions researchers hope to answer as the work continues.
A Glimpse Into a Time of Transformation
Researchers analyze the head of the statue (Photo: Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica).
This find could shed light on a crucial transitional period in Rome’s history—from the pagan traditions of antiquity to the Christian dominance of Late Antiquity (4th–6th centuries CE). The reuse of pagan sculptures in Christian buildings, while not uncommon, offers case-by-case insights into the cultural and religious dynamics of the time.
While the exact identity of the figure remains uncertain, initial theories point to Zeus, Serapis, or even a philosopher. The majestic beard and dignified expression suggest a being of high stature—divine or intellectual.
As restorers carefully remove the remaining mortar, they hope to uncover inscriptions or hidden details that could confirm the statue’s origin and purpose.
This discovery not only bridges two distinct worlds—pagan and Christian—but also reminds us that beneath every church, ruin, or city street may lie fragments of forgotten stories, waiting to be retold.
