2nd century CE bust of Jupiter rediscovered at Fountains Abbey (UK)

A fragmented bust of Jupiter, estimated to be about 2,000 years old, has been rediscovered at Fountains Abbey in the UK among the remains of the estate of the Earl of Arundel.  Unfortunately, little is known about the piece like many works collected by wealthy patrons of the 17th century.  It was given to the Earl as a gift in the 1660s. It was among the antiquities in his collection dispersed about 100 years later.  It ended up in a temple in Fountains Abbey until it was stored away so the temple could be rennovated.  It may have been damaged at that time.

English Heritage is cleaning it up and visitors can request to see it by calling the archaeology store at Helmsley after April 21, 2010. 

[Image courtesy of English Heritage]



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