Unique Marble Figurine Discovered

April 7, 2009

Only six centimeters high (2.3 inches) and four centimeters (1.5 inches) wide, it is amazingly detailed. According to site directors Dr. Doron Ben-Ami and Yana Tchekhanovets, “The high level of finish on the figurine is extraordinary, while meticulously adhering to the tiniest of details. Its short curly beard, as well as the position of its head which is slightly inclined to the right, are indicative of an obviously Greek influence and show that it should be dated to the time of the emperor Hadrian or shortly thereafter (second-third centuries AD). This is one of the periods when the art of Roman sculpture reached its zenith. The pale yellow shade of the marble alludes to the eastern origin of the raw material from which the image was carved, probably from Asia Minor, although this matter still needs to be checked.”

Two tiny holes that were drilled in its nape, and which contained the remains of metal that was inserted in them, indicate that this is a suspended weight that was used with hanging scales that are characteristic of the Roman period. Miniature bronze images of athletes, philosophers, satyrs, etc. were among the most popular of the suspended Roman weights. The stylistic motifs suggest it most likely portrays an athlete, probably a boxer, as boxing was one of the most popular sports in Roman culture.

How did it end up in Israel? It is possible that the marble weight belonged to a family of merchants who originally came from the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Being a precious object, it was possibly passed down from generation to generation in the family until it ended up in Jerusalem.

Article written by Charleeda Sprinkle, Assistant Editor

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