Archaeology: Oldest known bust of Caesar discovered in Arles

AAP reports that divers trained in archaeology have uncovered the oldest known bust of Julius Caesar. The divers made the discovery at the bottom of the River Rhone in Arles, a town Caesar founded in 46 BC.

The life-sized bust showing the Roman ruler as a balding and ageing man with wrinkles and hollows in his face is tentatively dated to 46 BC.

Among other items in the treasure trove of ancient objects found in the bed of the river was a 1.8m marble statue of Neptune, dated to the first decade of the third century after Christ.

Two smaller statues were also found, both in bronze and measuring 70cm each. One of them, a satyr with his hands tied behind his back, "doubtless" originated in Hellenic Greece, the French culture ministry said.
Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting Publisher of i On Global Trends and Sydney IrresistibleLane Cove , NSW 2006