The controversial discovery of a Roman Venus in Alicante: 2,000 years old... in a supermarket bag

A Roman-era sculpture believed to be over 2,000 years old was discovered in a supermarket bag during construction work along the beach of Almadraba in Alicante, Spain. The find has sparked controversy, with questions surrounding its discovery date, handling, and whether proper procedures were followed. The artifact, identified as a marble head possibly depicting the goddess Venus, was unearthed by workers using heavy machinery while working on a coastal regeneration project. The sculpture, made of white marble and measuring approximately 22.22 centimeters in height and 19.78 centimeters in width, was found intact despite being struck by an excavator. Officials estimate it dates back to the Roman Imperial period, likely between the first and second centuries AD. It is thought to have belonged to a wealthy family in ancient Lucentum, the Roman name for modern-day Alicante. The piece could have adorned the home of a Roman patrician family. The city council announced the discovery on May 20, describing it as one of the most significant archaeological finds in the region’s history. Culture Councilor Nayma Beldjilali emphasized its immense value, while José Manuel Pérez Burgos, head of Integral Heritage at the municipality, called it a “miracle” that the sculpture had survived two millennia in such good condition. However, discrepancies emerged regarding the exact date of the discovery. While the council initially stated it occurred on May 20, workers later claimed they found the head on May 11. This inconsistency has fueled further debate about the circumstances surrounding the find. Images surfaced showing the sculpture inside a simple burlap bag from Mercadona, raising concerns about how it was handled after discovery. The controversy has escalated beyond local politics, prompting calls for investigation from regional and national authorities. Members of the political party Compromís have demanded transparency, seeking to uncover the complete timeline of events, the protocols followed, who made key decisions, and whether heritage laws were adhered to throughout the process. Alberto Ibáñez, a Compromís MP affiliated with the Sumar coalition, vowed to approach Culture Minister Ernest Urthasun to “learn the truth” behind what he described as an “absurd situation.” Compromís has also raised doubts about whether other parts of the sculpture might still be buried beneath the site. Their inquiry highlights concerns about potential negligence or procedural lapses in the handling of the artifact. The ruling Popular Party (PP)-led municipal government has expressed frustration with these allegations, defending the actions of its cultural technicians and emphasizing their commitment to preserving historical artifacts. Experts suggest the sculpture could provide valuable insights into Roman artistry and daily life in the region. Its survival in such remarkable condition adds to its significance, offering a rare glimpse into the aesthetic values of ancient societies. However, the manner in which it was discovered and initially stored has cast doubt on the professionalism of the excavation process. The incident underscores the challenges faced by archaeologists and local governments in balancing infrastructure development with the preservation of historical sites. As investigations continue, the fate of the Venus head, and any remaining portions of the sculpture, remains uncertain. The sculpture will remain under the custody of the city council until further notice, pending the outcome of ongoing inquiries.