paganism

A marble head, believed to depict a bearded male deity well-known in the ancient Roman world, has been uncovered in the archaeological zone of the Tombe di Via Latina in Rome, inside the Archaeological Park of the Appian Way. This striking sculpture, dating to around the second century, was found during excavations at the early Christian basilica of Santo Stefano, a church built in the fifth century. Remarkably, the curious artifact had remained hidden for beneath the structure’s underground layers, embedded within the foundation of what is known as the Paleochristian Basilica. The first glimpse of the discovery came as long, flowing locks of hair made from carved stone became increasingly visible through compacted earth and rubble. As the excavation