Giant Statue of Roman Emperor Found Near Popular Resort

Megalomaniacs have lived among us ever since antiquity. And if Saddam, Mao and all other historical bizarre characters built for themselves giant statues, why shouldn't the Roman emperors have done the same? At least we enjoy seeing the Romans' good taste...

One of those who regarded themselves bigger than in life was the Roman emperor Hadrian (who ruled the Roman Empire from 117 to 138 AD, during a period of utmost power and territorial expansion), as archaeologists recently discovered a colossal statue of this Caesar in Turkey.

The researchers came across the giant marble likeness last weekend while digging up a complex of ornate Roman baths in the ancient city of Sagalassos, 68 mi (109 km) north of the resort town of Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast. The team found a giant head, foot and leg, each about 2.5 ft (0.75 m) long, making the experts estimate the size of the whole statue at some 16 ft (5 m).

"The marble is among the most exquisite carvings of the leader ever found and depicts Hadrian early in his reign," said lead archaeologist Marc Waelkens of Belgium's Catholic University of Leuven.

"The statue represents the younger Hadrian as shown by the plain eyes (without indication of pupils or irises) [and] the scarce use of the drill in the hair," explained Waelkens.

"During his rule from A.D. 117 to 138, Hadrian enjoyed great popularity in Sagalassos for bringing trade to the city and transforming it into a provincial hub of politics and culture," he added.

Researchers expect to discover more monuments to Hadrian's legacy.

"It can be expected that the remaining parts of the statue, and possibly that of other ones (e.g. his wife, Sabina), will be discovered during next year's season, below more than six meters [20 ft] of debris, mainly consisting of Roman concrete," he said.