Rare Roman-Era Marble Bathtub and Statue Fragment Unearthed in Ancient Ephesus
Ephesus, Turkey — Archaeologists have uncovered remarkable Roman-era artifacts in the ancient city of Ephesus, renowned as a site where Paul the Apostle once preached and one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Among the finds is a rare marble bathtub carved from Greco Scritto marble, a regional stone distinguished by its black veining, and a fragment of a male statue that was repurposed as a paving stone.
The marble bathtub, measuring nearly five feet long, two and a half feet wide, and two feet high, was discovered along the ancient Stadium Street, near the Terrace Houses complex. This area was home to affluent Roman families who lived in lavish villas. Unlike the expansive public bath complexes for which Ephesus is famous, this bathtub was likely intended for private domestic use, a rarity in archaeological records. Archaeologist Serdar Aybek, who spoke with the Turkish state news agency Anadolu Agency, noted that the bathtub probably belonged to a wealthy household dating back to the first century A.D. and was later repurposed as a fountain trough.
“It is an unusual discovery because it is not something we encounter frequently,” Aybek said. “We believe it belonged to the Terrace Houses and was used in the first century A.D. We found it during work at the theater, and its size shows it was used in a house.”
In addition to the bathtub, archaeologists uncovered a fragment of a male statue dating between the first century B.C. and the first century A.D. The statue, carved in multiple parts and later dismantled, was found face down and reused as a paving stone in the roadway. This unexpected find provides further insight into the artistic and urban practices of the era.
Ephesus holds a significant place in early Christian history, not only as a center of Roman culture but also as one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The city’s archaeological treasures continue to illuminate the complex interplay of religious, social, and domestic life in antiquity.
These recent discoveries come amid a wave of archaeological activity in Asia Minor that has brought to light numerous artifacts linked to early Christianity and Roman civilization. The Terrace Houses themselves are a focal point for understanding the lifestyle of Ephesus’s elite, featuring intricate mosaics, frescoes, and now, this rare bathtub.
For those interested in the broader context of Roman baths and their cultural significance, the National Park Service offers detailed insights into the role of bathing in Roman society. Meanwhile, the Archaeological Institute of America provides ongoing updates on excavations and findings in the Mediterranean region.
As excavations continue, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism emphasizes the importance of preserving these sites, which are invaluable for understanding the ancient world. Their efforts are documented on the official Ministry website, which highlights ongoing projects and conservation initiatives.
These finds not only enrich the historical narrative of Ephesus but also offer a tangible connection to the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants, bridging millennia to bring the past vividly into the present.
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