Laborers in Athens uncovered a marble statue and Roman-era artifacts while digging for a gas pipeline near the Acropolis. This unexpected find sheds light on the luxurious past of the city’s imperial period, as archaeologists race to preserve the discoveries.
In a striking reminder of Athens’ rich historical tapestry, laborers digging a trench for natural gas pipelines unearthed a marble statue and Roman-era artifacts near the Acropolis. Greece’s Culture Ministry announced the discovery on Tuesday, highlighting its significance to the country’s archaeological heritage. The centerpiece of the find is a well-preserved statue of a naked man, depicting the renowned Hermes Ludovisi type, a representation of the Greek god Hermes. Dating to the imperial period, which spans the first to fifth century AD, the sculpture was uncovered close to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an iconic site at the base of the Acropolis.
Athens’ Wealthy Elite
Discovered on Monday, the statue was remarkably well-preserved, found within a rectangular brick structure. Experts believe this structure was part of a series of villas belonging to affluent citizens during the Roman era, reflecting the wealth and sophistication of Athens’ elite at the time. Archaeologists are now working to identify additional artifacts discovered at the site. According to initial reports from the culture ministry, these objects would originate from the same period as the statue. A ministry official told AFP that efforts are ongoing to analyze and catalog these finds.
Hidden Layers
Elena Kountouri, head of the Athenian archaeological service, emphasized the need for careful excavation to protect these significant findings. “It is important to continue the excavations, to collect all the discoveries, to ensure that no evidence is lost,” she stated in an interview with Kathimerini. The discovery highlights the challenges of modern infrastructure projects in Athens, where ancient artifacts often lie hidden. Construction work frequently brings to light artifacts, offering fresh insights into Greece’s rich historical legacy.
Rich Cultural Life
Public broadcaster ERT noted that such finds enrich our understanding of daily life and the rich cultural life of ancient Athens. The Acropolis neighborhood, in particular, has proven to be a treasure trove of artifacts, reinforcing its status as a hub of historical significance. This latest discovery adds to the growing list of archaeological finds made during urban development projects across Greece, highlighting the ongoing effort to preserve history while addressing modern urban needs. As excavation work continues, experts remain committed to piecing together the historical puzzle unearthed by this unexpected find.
With AFP
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