A slab of dull marble, used for 10 years as a stepping stone in an English garden, is indeed a rare ancient Roman carving, finds a new analysis.
The discovery surprised his owner, who learned that a 25-inch (63 cm) slab – a stone he had previously used as a ladder when mounting Horse – The date of the second century AD and its value was about, 20,400 (,000 15,000).
However, no one knows how the marble masterpiece ended in England. A statement from Woolley, a UK auctioneer who handles the slab’s sale, said it was probably carved in Greece, Greece or Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
Related: Photos: Mosaic glass dishes and bronze jugs from Roman England
Some history of the stone is known: According to Woolley and Wall Liss, it was discovered about 20 years ago in a rock garden in the village of Whitparish in the south of England. Then, the woman who owns the stable used the mud-covered stone for a decade as a mounting block, until she saw a laurel wreath carved on its surface. An archaeologist who evaluated the slab revealed that it was a rare discovery. His inscription reads, “People (and) Young Man (honor) Demetrios (son) of Metrodororos (son) of Lucius,” Daily Mail report.
Although the ancient Roman Empire extended to the British Isles, the slab was not built locally; It was brought to England about 300 years ago, according to Woolley and Wisal.
“Such artefacts came to England as a result of grand tours in the late 18th and 19th centuries, when wealthy aristocrats visited Europe,” said Will Hobbes, an ancient specialist at Woolley and Wallis. Was. In the statement. “We assume that’s how he got into the UK, but the whole secret is how he ended up in the home garden, and that’s where we ask for people’s help.”
The Rock Garden in Whiteparish is part of a house built in the mid-1960s, and auctioneers hope someone will remember its details or those involved in its construction.
“There’s a lot of potential for where the stone could have originated,” Hobbes said. The English country houses “Cavesfield House and Brooksmore House” were very close to the White Parish and were demanded after they were demolished in 1949. [British] Army during the war, “he said.” But we also know that the house is the same now [family theme park] Paltlins Park was destroyed by fire in 1963, and was soon reused in buildings in the area shortly after it was demolished. “
Earlier, Woolley and Wall Lice had planned to auction the slab this February, but the deadline has changed from the auction time to the spring.
Published on Original Living Science.
