foxnews.com
Ancient Deity's Head Unearthed During Excavation of Roman Basilica
Archaeologists excavating Rome's fifth-century Basilica of St. Stephen discovered the remarkably preserved head of an ancient statue, likely a deity, within the church's foundation; the artifact is now being studied and restored in Matera, Italy, promising new insights into the area's history and late antique religious practices.
- What immediate impact does the discovery of the ancient deity's head have on our understanding of religious practices in late antique Rome?
- During excavations at Rome's Basilica of St. Stephen, built in the fifth century A.D., archaeologists unearthed the head of an ancient statue, likely depicting a deity. The artifact, discovered within the foundation of the church, is currently being studied and restored by the Central Institute for Restoration (ICR) in Matera, Italy. This discovery is significant because it predates the church itself, offering insights into earlier religious practices in the area.
- How does the location of the statue head within the Basilica of St. Stephen's foundation contribute to our understanding of the area's history?
- The find of the ancient deity's head in the Basilica of St. Stephen's foundation connects the church's construction to a pre-existing religious site. The statue's deterioration and encasement in mortar indicate the passage of time and potential alterations to the area. The collaboration between the Appian Way Regional Park and the ICR highlights a commitment to preserving cultural heritage using advanced methodologies.
- What future implications can be expected from the advanced analysis and restoration of this ancient artifact, and what might it reveal about cultural and settlement patterns of the era?
- The ongoing restoration and analysis of the ancient statue head promises new insights into the cultural and settlement dynamics of late antique Rome. The ICR's study of the artifact's execution techniques, along with the research results, will contribute to a richer understanding of the Appia Antica region's history and the religious practices of the era. Further discoveries in the area may shed even more light on this previously unknown religious site.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the technical aspects of the restoration process, potentially downplaying the historical and cultural significance of the find. The headline focuses on the location and the recent discovery rather than the potential religious significance of the statue head. The inclusion of unrelated articles about other historical discoveries in the article might dilute the focus on the significance of this particular find.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and descriptive. However, phrases like "beautiful stone head" might be considered slightly subjective and less formal for a news report. The descriptions of the statue's condition ("clearly deteriorated") could be considered slightly emotionally loaded, though not significantly biased.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the discovery and restoration process, but omits discussion of the potential religious or cultural significance of the deity's head beyond labeling it as "likely a deity." It doesn't explore the implications of finding a pagan artifact within the foundations of a Catholic church, which could offer rich historical context. The article also lacks information about the methods used in the initial excavation and discovery of the head. Further, there is no mention of the broader implications of this discovery on understanding the Roman religious landscape during that time.
Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery and preservation of the ancient artifact contributes to the understanding and appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of Rome, enriching the city's cultural landscape and promoting sustainable tourism. The collaboration between the Appian Way Regional Park and the Central Institute for Restoration (ICR) exemplifies sustainable practices in archaeology and restoration.