In Egyptian Temple, a New Bust of Marcus Aurelius

Egypt says archaeologists have discovered a bust of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the southern city of Aswan, reports the AP. The Antiquities Ministry says Sunday the head was found in the Temple of Kom Ombo during work to protect the site from groundwater. Aymen Ashmawi, head of the ancient Egyptian Sector, tells Ahram Online that the head is "unique," and that statues of the Roman are scant. It says archaeologists have also unearthed artifacts that belong to a shrine for the god Osiris-Ptah-Neb inside the ancient temple of Karnak in the city of Luxor.

It says the new discoveries include parts of a stone panel depicting a ram and a goose—symbols of the ancient Egyptian god Amun—on an offering table. Egypt hopes such discoveries will spur tourism in the country, which has been reeling from political turmoil since the 2011 uprising.

(More Marcus Aurelius stories.)