Archaeologists in Varna, Bulgaria, have uncovered a well-preserved Roman marble statue dating from the 2nd to 3rd centuries CE. Found during construction work outside the ancient city walls of Odessos, the statue depicts a middle-aged man in a Roman toga, holding a scroll, and is slightly larger than life-size. Despite being over 1,700 years old, the sculpture shows minimal damage, with only the right wrist missing and minor wear on the face.

Credit: Varna Regional History Museum

Odessos, the ancient name for modern-day Varna, was originally a Greek colony founded in the 6th century BCE by settlers from Miletus. Situated on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, the city thrived under both Greek and Roman rule. Around CE 15, it was annexed by the Roman Empire and became a prominent center in the Roman province of Moesia. Known for its grand public baths, Odessos was a prosperous hub of culture and trade during the Roman era. In later periods, the city retained its significance through the Byzantine age, even earning the тιтle “holiest city” due to its abundance of basilicas and religious insтιтutions.

The statue, discovered in a sandy area near a former riverbed, was brought to the attention of the Regional History Museum in Varna by construction contractor Georgi Kraychev. Dr. Vasil Tenekedjiev from the museum shared with BTA that the statue is a depiction of a high-status Roman citizen named Gaius Marius Hermogenes, as indicated by a well-preserved inscription on its marble pedestal. While epigraphy experts are still analyzing the monument, the initial reading of the inscription has provided these important details.

Hermogenes, the subject of the statue, is portrayed in a toga, a symbol of Roman authority, reflecting his close ties to Roman governance. Statues of this kind were common during the Augustan period and later, used to immortalize prominent figures in Roman society. The quality and preservation of the statue are noteworthy, with some experts comparing it favorably to other recent finds in Bulgaria, including statues from Heraclea Sintica.

The location of the statue’s discovery, outside the traditional areas where such sculptures would be found, has led to speculation. Dr. Tenekedjiev noted that it may have been moved from its original location, possibly by enemies of Hermogenes.

The statue has since been transferred to the Regional History Museum in Varna, where it is undergoing restoration. Once cleaned and restored, it will be displayed to the public. The discovery adds another layer to our understanding of Odessos and its role as a significant cultural and administrative center in the Roman Empire.