A major archaeological discovery has emerged on the Costa Blanca after excavation works at Playa de la Almadraba uncovered a Roman marble head believed to date from the 1st or 2nd century AD.
The sculpture, carved from white marble and found in remarkably good condition, appeared during regeneration works being carried out by Alicante Town Hall.
Local officials believe the piece could represent the Roman goddess Venus and may become one of the most important Roman sculpture discoveries ever made in Alicante province.
Roman Playa de la Almadraba discovery linked to an ancient Roman villa
Archaeologists uncovered the sculpture in an area where previous excavations had already identified remains of a Roman villa.
According to Alicante’s culture department, teams were carrying out precautionary excavations before redevelopment works continued because of the site’s historical importance.
Experts believe the marble head originally formed part of the decoration inside a wealthy Roman residence connected to Lucentum, the ancient Roman city that once occupied part of modern-day Alicante.
Roman marble head: A possible depiction of Venus
José Manuel Pérez Burgos, head of the city’s heritage department, explained that the sculpture’s hairstyle reflects strong Hellenistic influence.
The figure features wavy hair parted in the middle and swept backwards, a style commonly associated with idealised depictions of deities such as Aphrodite in Greek culture or Venus in Roman tradition.
The marble head measures 22.22 centimetres high and 19.78 centimetres wide.
Archaeologists believe it may originally have stood on a pedestal inside an upper-class Roman home.
One of Alicante’s most important Roman discoveries
Experts say the find could become one of the most valuable Roman artistic discoveries ever uncovered in the Alicante area because of both its quality and exceptional state of preservation.
The wider Roman villa site dates from between the 3rd century BC and the 4th century AD.
Previous excavations there have already uncovered ceramics, coins and structural remains linked to ancient maritime life around Lucentum.
