Arles bust

It was discovered in September–October 2007 in the Rhone River near Arles, southern France, by divers from the French Department of Subaquatic Archaeological Research.

[2] They further suggested that the bust was discreetly disposed of after Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, when portraits of him could have been politically dangerous possessions.

[4][5] British classicist and historian Mary Beard objected that there was no basis whatsoever for identifying the bust as Caesar, and accused those involved in the discovery of staging a publicity stunt.

[6] Other historians were also quick to dispute the identification, among them Paul Zanker, an archaeologist and expert on Caesar and Augustus.

Elkins pointed out the 3rd century AD as the outside terminus post quem for the deposition of the statues, thereby disputing the claim that the bust was thrown away due to feared repercussions from Caesar's assassination in 44 BC.