The head of a statue representing the goddess Tyche of Philippopolis has been discovered at the Episcopal Basilica in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Archaeologist Lyubomir Merjanov, leading the excavation, announced the finding on November 28, 2024. This artifact, linked to coinage from the late 1st to mid-3rd century, is considered exceptionally rare and significant.
The head features a so-called 'civic crown' crafted from high-quality marble, adorned with heart-shaped irises. The crown stylistically depicts a city gate flanked by two towers, symbolizing the goddess bearing the city on her head. Merjanov noted that the statue is associated with an earlier temple located beneath the basilica, which remains largely unexplored. He estimates the statue's full height to be around 2.5 meters, based on the size of the head.
Analysis of the head, including its paint, is planned, followed by its exhibition at the Archaeological Museum in Plovdiv. A similar head of the goddess Cybele was found in Burgas but is less well-preserved.
The discovery occurred during an inspection prompted by reports of damage to the basilica's mosaics. Merjanov, along with consultants Professor Ventsislav Nikolov Dinchev from the National Archaeological Institute and researcher Zheni Tankova, participated in the excavation. The head was found near the altar and may have been repurposed as construction material, possibly indicating symbolic placement.
Officials from the National Institute for Immovable Cultural Heritage and the Sofia Criminal Police were also present during the excavation. Merjanov expressed hope for a project to elevate the mosaics for further study of the site and to locate the remaining parts of the statue.
The head had previously been uncovered and reburied due to a commission's recommendation, which also led to a prohibition of activities in the basilica. Plovdiv Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov issued orders for further investigations at the site.