Turkey unearths rare statues of Roman Emperor Hadrian, Empress Sabina in ancient Mediterranean city
Hadrian’s statue is depicted wearing military garb, with the features of a lion and eagle carved into the emperor’s armor.
Two rare statues of Roman Emperor Hadrian and Empress Sabina have been restored after being discovered at the ancient Mediterranean city of Kibyra, Turkey, according to the nation's Council of Higher Education. Kibyra, situated on the Mediterranean coast, was annexed by Rome in 133 BCE following the downfall of the Attalid Kingdom.
The statues, among four unearthed during recent excavations to uncover the city's Monumental City Gate, were restored by a team from Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University. The towering Hadrian statue, standing at approximately 2.14 meters, is crafted from high-quality marble sourced from the Afyon-Iscehisar region. Professor and Kibyra Excavation Director Dr. Sukru Ozudogru stated that the portrait confirms the statue's identity as that of Hadrian.
The statues are believed to have been carved around 130 CE during the height of Hadrian's reign. It is suspected that they were possibly commissioned ahead of the emperor's visit to the region, an action common in the Roman era. Hadrian's statue showcases military attire, with carved lion and eagle features adorning his armor. Sabina's statue, though equally tall, remains incomplete and missing fragments that archaeologists hope to unearth in subsequent excavations.
Additional statues found at the site include an armored emperor statue around 1.86 meters tall, a split upper and lower body female statue, and a 30-centimeter-tall male statue head. All four statues are believed to have adorned the upper part of the gate, which shattered following an earthquake in 417 CE. Once restored, the statues will be transported and displayed at the Burdur Museum.
In total, over 2,000 blocks have been moved since the excavations began in 2025. The team aims to conclude the excavation of the structure within one more season, after which they can proceed with the restoration and redesign of the ancient gateway. YOK President Erol Ozvar emphasized the significance of these efforts in understanding Anatolia's history and the interaction between civilizations throughout time.
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