Buried for almost two millennia, a giant marble head has popped up from the depths of Rome’s soil, stopping archaeologists (and quite a few casual passersby) in their dusty tracks. Is this the resolute face of Emperor Trajan, a high-flying dignitary, or a long-lost god? The mystery has thickened in the Eternal City, serving a delicious slice of ancient history with a generous topping of unanswered questions.
A Monumental Surprise in the Heart of Rome
On June 21, 2025, Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri took to Facebook—not to share his dinner, but to announce an archaeological scoop: a colossal marble head freshly unearthed during excavations on Via Alessandrina, near the famous Forum of Trajan. Spearheaded by the Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali (Capitoline Superintendency for Cultural Heritage), the dig uncovered this ancient statue several meters underground, embedded in a chunky medieval layer of bricks, mortar, and lime that any fortress would envy.
The area has been the stage for archaeological action since November 2024. A team of archaeologists is working amidst the upgrade of a modern road that divides not only traffic but the ancient forums of Emperors Augustus, Nerva, and Trajan. This hefty project is part of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), and it is turning over more than just asphalt and pebbles. Among the prized discoveries: there it was—a marble head nearly 2,000 years old, lying in wait just steps from the monumental Porticus Trisigmentata.
The Porticus Trisigmentata and a Tale of Recycled Statues
The Porticus Trisigmentata wasn’t just a tongue-twister for Latin students; it was a monumental colonnade with marble columns soaring 12 meters high, marking the grand entrance to Trajan’s forum. Now, imagine the excitement of finding a statue that might once have greeted ancient Romans at this very gateway. The head’s deep burial in a medieval construction layer has researchers suspecting it was repurposed as a handy building material after the fall of the Roman Empire. Talk about recycling long before it was trendy.
- The statue was found several meters deep, hemmed in by brick, lime, and mortar from the Middle Ages.
- The marble head is provisionally dated to the reign of Trajan (98–117 AD).
- Archaeologists believe it may have originally stood at or near the Porticus Trisigmentata.
But the big question is: who is carved into this monumental face? Even the experts are scratching their heads—figuratively, of course (no statues were harmed in the making of this mystery).
A Face That Could Launch a Thousand Theories
Mayor Gualtieri describes the statue as a masculine visage, crowned with thick hair and bearing an intense expression—the sort that suggests either a serious statesman or someone who’s just found out their empire’s WiFi is down. While all agree it hails from the early second century (a period familiar to Trajan-watchers), identification remains an open debate:
- Some experts think that the focused stare, prominent cheekbones, and wavy locks could match known portraits of Emperor Trajan himself. After all, if you’re going to leave your giant marble head lying around, the grandest forum in Rome is not a bad choice.
- Others suggest a divine origin. The marble head’s features are reminiscent of Dionysus (also known as Bacchus). Supporting this, a very similar marble bust of the wine god was found in the same part of Rome only a few years ago. Perhaps this is evidence of a divine double act in ancient marble form?
- A third possibility on the scholarly menu: this could be the likeness of a high-ranking Roman dignitary, immortalized in stone.
As suspense lingers, archaeologists aim to let science have the last word. Detailed lab analyses will try to trace the marble’s origin, in hopes of clearing up the character’s true identity. As one often says in Rome: “When in doubt, bring in the lab coats.”
What Happens Next? Restoration and a Place in History
Regardless of whose face it is, the discovery has the Eternal City buzzing. The colossal head will undergo careful restoration before joining the collections at the Museum of the Imperial Forums, where the public can come and speculate in person. It is, after all, another stunning testament to Rome’s glorious past, and a reminder that beneath every street—sometimes under the odd modern road—Rome’s archaeological riches continue to surprise, delight, and mystify.
- The marble’s origin will be analyzed in detail, potentially providing new clues.
- The restored head is destined for display at the Imperial Forums Museum.
So next time you stroll past an excavation in Rome, remind yourself: history might just have a new face ready to see the light.
