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In the sediment of the Rhone River near Arles, France, archaeologists discovered life-size marble bust (artistic sculpture the head and neck) that some claim is the oldest known representation of Julius Caesar, the famous leader of the Roman state, created around46b.c.e. when Caesar was in his fifties. Those making the claim base it on three arguments.

Style of sculpture

First, the bust was made using the realist sculpture's style that was introduced to Rome during Caesars time. Older Roman sculpture styles often depicted people in an ideal way, ignoring any flaws in their appearance and making them look younger. In contrast, the principle of realism prevalent in Caesars time was to represent people's physical features faithfully, even if they were not attractive. The Rhone River bust is a completely realistic portrayal of a man in his fifties.

Resemblance to other portraits of Julius Caesar

Second, the bust shares some intriguing details with other portraits of Caesar that are known to have been made during Caesars lifetime. For example, Caesar was depicted on money(silver coins)used during his rule. The coins show Caesars hair to be much the same as it is represented in the Rhone River bust.

Location of bust

Third, the fact that the bust was found in the Rhone River sediment supports the claim that it depicts Julius Caesar. Caesar was violently overthrown in 44 B.C.E. and replaced by another leader. In this circumstance, it could be politically dangerous for Roman citizens to keep bust of Caesar. It might be interpreted as a lack of respect for the new leader. So it is likely that the bust of Caesar would have been disposed of very soon after 44 B.C.E. Throwing a marble bust into the deep Rhone River would have been a good way to get rid of it fast.

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