---
title: "Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius Statue Discovered in Scotland"
url: https://newscentral.site/roman-emperor-antoninus-pius-statue-discovered-in-scotland/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Science"
published: 2026-11-13T11:00:00.000Z
updated: 2026-11-13T15:42:03.900Z
id: a43410c4-c193-4b90-8082-5eff059865c5
source: "Live Science https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/romans/romans-carefully-dismantled-statue-of-emperor-when-they-withdrew-from-scotland-1-800-years-ago-leaving-only-his-foot-behind"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/roman-emperor-antoninus-pius-statue-discovered-in-scotland/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius Statue Discovered in Scotland

A remarkably well-preserved bronze foot has been discovered in Scotland, which is believed to be part of a larger-than-life statue of Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius that once stood tall in the region.

The discovery was made in 1820 when archaeologists unearthed the gold-covered bronze foot and calf, also known as the Milsington leg, from a bog. Experts have now pieced together what the original sculpture may have looked like based on the remains found.

It's still unclear why the Romans carefully dismantled the statue over 1,800 years ago when they withdrew from Scotland. The lower leg is all that remains of the equestrian statue, which was likely set up in a fort along the Roman Empire's border to honor Antoninus Pius.

The discovery has shed new light on the Roman presence in Scotland during the late 2nd century AD. As research continues to uncover more about the Roman frontier, it's becoming increasingly clear that equestrian statues were a common feature of Roman forts and military bases along the empire's borders.

The construction of the Antonine Wall marked a significant expansion of Roman territory in Britain, as Emperor Antoninus Pius directed the governor of Roman Britain to push north into Scotland and build a second defensive wall.

However, this military endeavor was short-lived, as the Romans retreated from Scotland after Antoninus Pius' death, leaving behind only remnants of their presence.

It's possible that during this withdrawal, the Romans deliberately dismantled any valuable statues they had erected, including one of Emperor Antoninus Pius himself, in order to salvage materials and prevent them from falling into enemy hands.

According to experts at National Museums Scotland, this approach contrasts with instances where statues were destroyed as a form of punishment or condemnation.

The discovery of a bronze leg in southern Scotland has rewritten historians' understanding of the Roman Empire's second attempt at conquering the region.

In contrast to instances where statues were destroyed as punishment or condemnation, it appears that Romans carefully dismantled the statue of an emperor when they withdrew from Scotland nearly 1,800 years ago, leaving behind only a foot. This approach suggests a more nuanced attitude towards their monuments than previously thought.

The exhibit "Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire" at the National Museum of Scotland will showcase the Milsington leg and other Roman-period finds beginning November 14.

---
Source: [Live Science](https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/romans/romans-carefully-dismantled-statue-of-emperor-when-they-withdrew-from-scotland-1-800-years-ago-leaving-only-his-foot-behind)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/roman-emperor-antoninus-pius-statue-discovered-in-scotland/