Discovery at Burghley Estate
A British historical site, the Burghley Estate, recently revealed the discovery of a captivating Roman statue on an English construction site. The centuries-old country house, known for its rich history and appearances in popular productions, now proudly showcases this remarkable find.
Unexpected Unveiling
The statue, a marble head of an aristocratic Roman woman, was stumbled upon by excavator operator Greg Crawley during routine construction work on the estate’s parking lot. Crawley’s astonishment was palpable as he unearthed the ancient artifact, exclaiming, “It was an amazing feeling to have found something so old and special – definitely my best-ever discovery.”
Curious Origins
Despite being dated to the first or second century, the statue’s journey to the construction site remains shrouded in mystery. The estate speculates that the Ninth Earl of Burghley may have acquired the statue during a tour of Italy in the 1760s, a practice common among 18th-century Italian dealers to entice aristocratic buyers.
Enigmatic Burial
One of the baffling aspects of the discovery is how the statue and its matching bust ended up completely buried on the estate. Theories range from a failed robbery attempt to simple abandonment, leaving experts puzzled about the true timeline of events.
Revealing the Past
Following meticulous examination and restoration, the cleaned statue will be put on public display at the Burghley Estate, along with other sculptures acquired by the Ninth Earl. The unveiling is set for March 16th, marking the beginning of the estate’s 2024 season.
This intriguing find not only adds to the allure of the historic Burghley Estate but also sparks curiosity about the untold stories that lie beneath the surface of this ancient Roman artifact.