In 1939, a significant archaeological discovery was made during excavations at Aventicum, the ancient capital of the Helvetii, now located in modern-day Switzerland. Aventicum, which became part of the Roman Empire in 15 BC under Emperor Augustus, was a site of considerable historical importance.
Among the finds was a remarkable golden bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. This artifact stands out as the largest known emperor’s bust crafted from a precious metal. Its grandeur and craftsmanship underscore the high level of artistry achieved during the Roman Empire.
The survival of this golden bust is particularly noteworthy. It is one of the few gold busts from antiquity that have not been melted down over the centuries, making it an exceptionally rare and valuable relic.
