Crawfords Metal Detectors

The golden bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, discovered in 1939 in Avenches, western Switzerland, is one of the most exceptional artifacts of the Roman era. Standing as the largest known bust of a Roman emperor made from precious metal, it is one of the few gold busts to have survived intact, with most others having been melted down over the centuries. Due to its rarity and immense value, the bust is typically kept in a bank vault for safekeeping, with a copy displayed at Roman Museum of Avenches. This remarkable piece is being showcased at the Getty Museum, marking its first-ever exhibition in the United States, and it has only been displayed a handful of times in its history. The bust was unearthed during an excavation of a temple in the ancient city of Aventicum (modern-day Avenches), the capital of the Helvetii tribe. After being incorporated into the Roman Empire under Augustus in 15 BC, Aventicum flourished and was granted colony status by Emperor Vespasian in 71/2 AD. This development led to significant urban redevelopment, including the construction of a grand temple complex dedicated to the local gods and the emperor’s cult. The golden bust was found beneath the main courtyard of this temple, hidden in a sewer crossing, and is thought to have been a representation of Marcus Aurelius during his reign from 161-180 AD. Crafted from a single sheet of gold using the repoussé technique, the 13-inch bust weighs 3.5 pounds, equivalent to the value of 220 gold aurei from the time of Marcus Aurelius. The process involved hammering the back of the gold sheet to create a 3-D portrayal of the emperor, with fine details such as his thick hair, neat beard, and intense eyes meticulously incised onto the surface. The emperor is depicted wearing a lorica plumata, a feathered cuirass, adorned with a central gorgoneion. This bust not only exemplifies the artistry of Roman goldsmithing but also serves as a striking symbol of the power and prestige of Emperor Marcus Aurelius during his reign. #archaeohistories