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Bronze Leg Found in Scottish Bog Linked to Emperor Antoninus Pius Statue
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What Happened?
A bronze leg discovered in a Scottish bog in 1820 is now believed to be part of a monumental statue of Emperor Antoninus Pius, challenging previous theories of theft.
Key points
- The bronze leg, known as the Milsington leg, was found in a bog near Hawick in 1820.
- It is believed to be the only surviving fragment of a monumental Roman statue discovered in Scotland.
- Recent research suggests it may have belonged to a gilded equestrian statue of Antoninus Pius.
- The leg's intact upper edge indicates it was likely removed carefully, not violently stolen.
- Roman soldiers may have dismantled the statue when retreating from Scotland after AD 161.
Key insights
- The statue's existence indicates the extent of Roman territorial ambitions in Scotland.
- The careful removal of the leg suggests a strategic decision by Roman soldiers rather than a hasty retreat.
- This find may lead to further archaeological investigations in the region.
Why it matters
This discovery sheds light on Roman influence in Scotland and the fate of their monuments.
Tags
Entities
Antoninus Pius· PersonNational Museums Scotland· OrganizationScotland· Country
Source
Times of India
