Antiquities and Ancient Art

Final Week to See Finds from Land of 'Jason and the Golden Fleece' in NY

Wine, Worship, and Sacrifice: The Golden Graves of Ancient Vani, the inaugural exhibition at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University, features spectacular finds from four graves excavated at Vani, a major administrative and religious center of ancient Colchis (present-day Republic of Georgia) and the setting for the myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece. The exhibition, which opened in March, concludes its run on June 1.

More than 100 objects from these graves, which date from the fifth and fourth centuries B.C., are on display and include an impressive array of locally produced jewelry as well as imported goods from its Greek and Persian neighbors. Together, these objects create a clear picture of Vani as a crossroads city, providing compelling testimony to the complex interrelations that occurred in this region throughout its rich history.

Click here for exhibition highlights, conference information, and directions.

Hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Friday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Closed Monday.

Marble Portrait Head of Important Roman Ruler Fished Out of French River

In this battle with the Helvetii in 58 BC, Julius Caesar famously burned a bridge over the Rhone to force his enemy to take a lethal diversionary trek. Today, archaeologists announced that they have fished out of the Rhone River a treasure trove of Roman artifacts including a stunning marble portrait of Caesar depicting him as a middle-aged man.

The finds were made near the well-preserved Roman city of Arles in southern France. In addition to the Caesar portrait bust, scientists found a marble statue of Neptune, nearly 6-feet tall, and two bronze statues nearly 2-1/2 feet high dating to the 2nd-3rd Century BC.  The French Culture Ministry believes that the underwater site contains more treasures and further excavations are planned this summer. The archaeological team that made the discovery doesn't yet know how, why or when the objects were thrown into the River.   

The Roman bust of Caesar is remarkable in that it is believed to date from the founding of the city of Arles in 46 BC. This suggests that the bust was created just 2 years before his assassination on March 15, 44 BC, making it the oldest know representation of Caesar actually made during his lifetime. The portrait is sculpted in a realistic style with furrowed brow, deep facial creases and prominent chin.