The Gold Bust of Marcus Aurelius and the City of Aventicum

Golden bust of Marcus Aurelius (161-180), found at Aventicum (present-day  Avenches, Switzerland) : r/ancientrome

In 1939, the gold bust of a Roman emperor later identified as Marcus Aurelius was found in a sewer channel during excavations in Avenches, Switzerland – known in ancient times as Aventicum. This stunning discovery shed new light on the well-preserved settlement, which is still being excavated today. Archaeologist Denis Genequand discusses the remarkable gold bust and the evolution of Aventicum from a 2nd-century BCE Celtic town to an elite Roman city.

May be an image of 1 personAbout the Speaker

File:Marcus Aurelius bust gold AD 161-180 from Aventicum 02.jpg - Wikimedia  Commons
Denis Genequand is an archaeologist with a double specialization in Roman and Islamic archaeology. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in Syria, Jordan, and other parts of the Middle East, as well as Ghana and Switzerland. He has published widely on early Islamic Syria and has taught at the universities of Geneva and Princeton. He is currently director of the Archaeological Research Centre and Roman Museum in Avenches, Switzerland.

Related Posts

Beyond Mythology: Delving into the Intriguing World of Sumerian Deities and Timekeeping Systems

The Sumerian civilization, which thrived from 4100 B.C.E. to around 1750 B.C.E., holds a significant place in ancient history. The name “Sumer” itself signified the “land of…

The Enigmatic Crystal Dagger: A 5,000-Year-Old Magical Artifact Unearthed in Spain

Unearthing a Prehistoric Wonder In the sun-drenched lands of southwestern Spain, archaeologists have stumbled upon a treasure that defies imagination. Within the megalithic tomb of Montelirio tholos,…

The Black Pharaohs of Kush: The Legacy of Egypt’s 25th Dynasty

A Historical Turning Point In the 8th century BC, the Kusнιтe King Piye emerged from the Nile Valley civilization of Kemet, embarking on a significant military campaign…

Unearthing Egypt’s Greatest Mystery: The 60-Ton Granite Sarcophagus of Untold Wonders

A Discovery That Challenges History In the heart of Egypt’s vast desert, archaeologists have uncovered a treasure that promises to rewrite our understanding of ancient civilization. A…

The Golden Smile of Ancient Philippines: Unveiling the Mystery of the Bolinao Skull

A Glittering Discovery in Coastal Bolinao In the picturesque coastal town of Bolinao, Philippines, archaeologists unearthed a treasure that would rewrite our understanding of ancient Filipino culture….

Ancient ᴀssyrian Guardian Rises Again: The 2,700-Year-Old Lamᴀssu of Dur-Sharrukin

Unearthing a Colossal Masterpiece In the sun-baked soil of northern Iraq, archaeologists have made a stunning discovery that bridges millennia. A team led by Pascal ʙuттerlin of…