A beach restoration project in southeastern Spain has led to the discovery of a remarkably well-preserved Roman marble head believed to depict the Greek goddess Aphrodite (Roman Venus).
Workers uncovered the sculpture during excavation work at La Almadraba beach in Alicante. Construction crews initially believed the object was an ordinary stone buried beneath the sand before archaeologists identified it as a Roman-era marble bust dating from the first or second century AD.
Officials described the discovery as one of the most important Roman-era sculpture finds ever made in Alicante because of the artifact’s condition and artistic quality.
Experts identify Hellenistic artistic influence
Researchers believe the sculpture was created during the High Imperial Roman period, when Roman influence spread across much of Europe and the Mediterranean.
José Manuel Pérez Burgos, head of integral heritage for Alicante, said the marble head shows strong Hellenistic artistic influence. He pointed to the figure’s wavy hair, parted in the middle and pulled back in a style commonly associated with idealized depictions of divine figures such as the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman goddess Venus.
Local officials described the artifact as “a Roman head of great artistic quality and in an excellent state of preservation.” Nayma Beldjilal, Alicante’s culture councillor, said the discovery could become “one of the most important Roman sculpture finds in the history of Alicante and the province.”
Discovery delays beach restoration project
The sculpture was uncovered during a regeneration project aimed at restoring the shoreline and improving coastal infrastructure at La Almadraba beach.
Archaeologists in Spain uncovered a remarkably well-preserved Roman marble head believed to depict the Greek goddess Aphrodite during beach restoration work in Alicante.
Experts say the 2,000-year-old sculpture could become one of the most important Roman finds in the region. pic.twitter.com/rEmIf2HeE5
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) May 22, 2026
Authorities have since paused construction work while archaeologists continue excavating and studying the site. Officials said the marble head is undergoing further testing and conservation work to confirm its age and authenticity.
Researchers are also investigating whether additional Roman remains may still be buried beneath the beach area.
The area has a long Roman history
Archaeologists said the coastline around Alicante has a long connection to Roman settlement activity. Excavations carried out near the beach in 2009 uncovered remains of a Roman maritime villa linked to the ancient Greek city of Lucentum (Greek: Λούκεντον), which operated between the third century BC and the fourth century AD.
Earlier excavations in the area also revealed house foundations, rooms, Roman-era coins, and large amounts of pottery, including several well-preserved ceramic pieces.
Experts now believe the newly discovered marble head may once have belonged to an important coastal villa or public Roman structure near the ancient shoreline. Officials said the property may have belonged to a wealthy Roman resident because of its prime Mediterranean location.
Roman discoveries continue across Europe
Earlier this year, archaeologists in Switzerland uncovered a 2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck in Lake Neuchâtel containing amphorae, pottery, tools, and two Roman Gladius swords. Researchers said discoveries like these continue to provide new insight into trade, art, and daily life during the Roman Empire.
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