A meticulously crafted marble head of the Greek goddess Tyche has been discovered in the ancient city of Philippopolis, now Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Unearthed during excavations at the Bishop’s Basilica, this stunning artifact is being hailed as a “phenomenal find” by archaeologist Lyubomir Merdzhanov, who led the excavation team.
Polychrome marble statue depicting the goddess Tyche, 2nd century CE. Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Credit: G.dallorto, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain
The head dates from the late 1st to the mid-3rd century CE and features exquisite Hellenistic craftsmanship. It is adorned with a corona muralis, or mural crown, depicting city walls with turrets, symbolizing Tyche’s role as the protector of Philippopolis. Merdzhanov noted that the statue’s heart-shaped irises and the use of high-quality marble reflect the artistry of the era. The artifact is believed to have been part of a statue approximately 2.5 meters tall, based on the proportions of the head.
The discovery is significant not only for its artistic value but also for the insight it provides into the religious and cultural history of ancient Philippopolis. Archaeologists suspect the statue may be linked to a sanctuary predating the Christian basilica. Early Christian communities often built churches over former pagan temples, suggesting that the site may hold additional relics of historical importance.
The marble head was found near the basilica’s pulpit, leading experts to speculate that it might have been recycled as building material or placed there symbolically. “The position of the artifact could carry deeper meaning, possibly indicating the coexistence of pagan and Christian traditions,” Merdzhanov explained. The discovery was made in the presence of representatives from Bulgaria’s National Insтιтute of Immovable Cultural Heritage (NIICH) and local law enforcement.
Plans are underway to analyze, clean, and restore the artifact before displaying it in the Plovdiv Museum of Archaeology. However, the path to uncovering the statue’s full history is fraught with challenges. The team hopes to obtain permission to lift the basilica’s mosaics to explore the older sanctuary below, where they believe the rest of the statue may lie.
The excavation process has faced some setbacks. According to Merdzhanov, the marble head had previously been uncovered but reburied following a supervisory commission’s recommendation. The NIICH, alerted to its rediscovery, permitted the artifact’s excavation.
Tyche, the ancient Greek goddess of fortune and chance, was revered as a powerful deity influencing the lives of mortals and gods alike. Often depicted with symbols of urban protection, such as the corona muralis, Tyche embodied the city’s fortune and prosperity. The Romans later adopted her as Fortuna, a name that endures in the modern English term “fortune.” Her significance in ancient mythology is underscored by her ᴀssociation with major events and her reputed power to rival that of Zeus himself.
