Roman Statue Unearthed in UK Parking Lot
Construction workers in the United Kingdom made a remarkable discovery while building a parking lot – an approximately 1,800-year-old Roman statue. The marble head of a Roman lady was unearthed by digger driver Greg Crawley at the 16th-century country estate Burghley House in Peterborough, England.
Discovery of the Roman Bust
Two weeks after the initial find, a bust was also uncovered near the original statue location. A conservator carefully cleaned, reassembled, and examined the relics, dating the sculpture to the 1st or 2nd century.
Historical Significance
Experts noted that an iron dowel was added to the statue, a practice commonly used by Italian dealers in antiquities during the late 18th century. The sculpture is believed to have been acquired by the ninth Earl of Exeter during his tours to Italy in the 1760s.
The estate at Burghley House described the excavation of the head and bust as a “complete mystery,” speculating on various scenarios that could explain their burial in the parking lot soil.
Reaction to the Discovery
Digger driver Greg Crawley expressed his astonishment at the find, calling it his “best ever discovery.” He recounted the moment of uncovering the face of the statue, initially mistaking it for a stone. The Roman marble statue will be displayed alongside other artifacts collected by the ninth earl at Burghley House.
