Israeli archaeologist Eitan Klein of the Israel Antiquities Authority shows off two late Roman busts unearthed near the ancient city of Beit Shean following a chance find by a woman walkerAn Israeli woman walking near ancient ruins noticed a head sticking out of the ground, leading to the uncovering of two Roman-era busts, archaeologists said Sunday. The life-size sculptures, carved in limestone, were found in the northern city of Beit Shean earlier this month, with the Israel Antiquities Authority dating them to the late Roman period, some 1,700 years ago. The sculptures emerged north of Beit Shean's national park, where the ruins of a Roman and Byzantine city lie, probably thanks to the recent rains. "Busts like these were usually placed near or in a burial cave, and they may have represented the image of the deceased along general lines," Klein said in a statement. The busts were expected to be put on public display after researchers gleaned what information they could from them.

Source: Daily Mail December 30, 2018 12:45 UTC