Statues of Emperor Hadrian and His Wife Sabina Discovered in the Ancient City of Kibyra
During excavations in the ancient city of Kibyra, marble statues of Emperor Hadrian and his wife Sabina, estimated to have been shattered in an earthquake in 417 AD, along with other historical artifact fragments, were recovered and reassembled.
During excavation works carried out in the ancient city of Kibyra in Burdur, fragments belonging to four statues, including marble statues of Roman Emperor Hadrian and his wife Empress Sabina, were brought to light. The artifacts found during the works conducted within the scope of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's 'Legacy to the Future Project' are planned to be exhibited in the Burdur Museum following the restoration process.
History Shattered by Earthquake Brought to Light
In the excavations carried out at the Monumental City Gate of the Ancient City of Kibyra, 20 pieces belonging to statues estimated to have collapsed in an earthquake that occurred in 417 AD were found. Head of Excavations Prof. Dr. Şükrü Özüdoğru stated that these pieces included arms, legs, and feet, as well as an intact portrait head belonging to Emperor Hadrian.
With the determination that the discovered portrait head belonged to the armored torso previously unearthed, the integrity of the Hadrian statue was largely ensured. The military-type statue, made from Afyon-Döğer and İscehisar marbles, features lion and eagle figures on its armor.
Empress Sabina and Other Artifacts
In addition to Hadrian, important sections of the statue belonging to his wife, Empress Sabina, were also brought to light during the excavation works. Furthermore, an armored emperor statue approximately 1.86 meters tall, a female statue in two pieces, and a male statue head 30 centimeters in height were among the other discovered artifacts.
Experts state that these statues, dated between 117 and 138 AD, may have been prepared before Emperor Hadrian's visit to Anatolia. Following the completion of the restoration works, all these artifacts will be exhibited in the Burdur Museum.
Academic Cooperation and Cultural Heritage
The excavation and restoration works carried out under the coordination of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) once again demonstrated the role of universities in preserving cultural heritage. Council of Higher Education (YÖK) President Erol Özvar expressed his satisfaction with universities carrying Turkey's historical riches into the future through scientific research.