Archaeologists in France have discovered the oldest known bust of Julius Caesar - at the bottom of a river. Most busts of the Roman leader were made after his death and portray a divinely perfect man. This one is unusual - in fact, unique - in having been made during his lifetime. And it shows a 50-something man with wrinkles and a receding hairline.

Caesar was extremely touchy about his hair. The Romans were very unforgiving about physical imperfection. That's why Claudius was hidden away for so long, the shame of his family. Julius Caesar was taunted about his thinning hair by his enemies, and did his best never to be seen without a concealing laurel wreath.

Which raises an interesting question. It's one thing having one's imperfections revealed by a snapshot. But a laboriously carved marble bust? Was this produced by some kind of paparazzi sculptor?

It is possible that the owner of the bust had a bronze laurel wreath made to disguise the baldness. Roman women often had hairpieces created for their own likenesses, to ensure their busts were sculptures in the height of fashion. Nevertheless, the warts an' all style is intriguing. 

The French archaeologists have a number of ideas about how the bust wound up at the bottom of a river - perhaps, thrown there by the owner of the bust when it became dangerous to be associated with the dictator (possibly after his assassination); or discarded by someone with republican sentiments.

But is it possible Caesar himself was responsible for its disposal? Maybe they should take another look at that river bed. They may find a skeleton with a chisel in its bony fingers.