2,500-Year-Old Discovery in Manisa: Monumental Male Statue Found in Sardis Ancient City

A 2,500-year-old, 2.2-meter-high monumental marble statue of a young man has been discovered in the ancient city of Sardis, located in the Salihli district of Manisa. Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the discovery on his social media account, stating that the statue is an extraordinary find that sheds light on Anatolian archeology. The statue, dated to the early 5th century BC, was found in two large pieces, with its feet and some small parts missing. According to experts, the statue's long hair and upright posture resemble examples from the 6th century BC, while its facial features, anatomical details, and other characteristics point to the early 5th century BC. The young man's clothing, including a thick himation, a thin chiton, and a horizontally striped garment underneath, features local characteristics not seen in similar statues from Anatolia and Greece.