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Archaeologists unearth rare statue of Roman Emperor Hadrian in Turkey

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Archaeologists have discovered a rare statue of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in Turkey’s western city of Aydin, according to state news agency Anadolu.

Dating from the 2nd century AD, the two-and-a-half-metre high sculpture was found in six parts at an excavation of the ancient city of Alabanda, site director Ali Yalcin Tavukcu said.

The statue is one of the “very few examples in the world,” Tavukcu said, adding: “We are very happy to have found one here.”

Excavations are under way at the site for further “exciting” findings such as new tablets or inscriptions to shed light on the era, Tavukcu added.

The statue, believed to be sculpted during a visit in the reign of the Publius Aelius Traianus Hadrianus, is expected to be displayed at the Aydin museum once restoration work is over. — dpa