Marble Bust Found in Egypt Sparks Debate Over Cleopatra VII’s Depiction

A marble bust, unearthed on the historical metropolis of Taposiris Magna in Egypt, is believed by archaeologist Kathleen Martinez to depict Cleopatra VII, the famend Ptolemaic queen linked to Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The discovery, made beneath a temple wall, includes a feminine determine carrying a diadem, a royal headpiece. Reports from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities spotlight that Martinez, who leads the Egyptian-Dominican excavation crew, attributes the statue to Cleopatra VII, the final ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, reigning from 69 to 30 B.C.

Scepticism has been raised by different archaeologists concerning the identification of the statue. In statements made to Live Science, Zahi Hawass, a former Egyptian minister of antiquities, steered that the artefact doubtless represents a Roman-era determine fairly than Cleopatra. He defined that in Cleopatra’s reign, Egyptian artwork types predominated, whereas the Roman model evident within the bust would align with a later interval, after Cleopatra’s loss of life in 30 B.C.

Artefacts and Additional Discoveries at Taposiris Magna

Numerous artefacts had been uncovered alongside the bust, together with 337 cash, some depicting Cleopatra VII, oil lamps, and a bronze ring devoted to the goddess Hathor. Excavations on the web site have additionally revealed a necropolis with 20 tombs, fragments of different statues, and a beforehand unknown temple believed so far again to the Ptolemaic interval.

Kathleen Martinez, who has led research at Taposiris Magna for over a decade, has beforehand posited that Cleopatra’s tomb is perhaps situated on the web site, although this idea lacks consensus amongst consultants. Underwater exploration close to the location has additionally yielded pottery, buildings, and human stays, although additional research are required to determine their historic context.