Recent Mediterranean Archaeo Discoveries
From Aphrodite's head in Turkey to the 26-foot-tall statue of Atlas that stood guard at Zeus' temple, here are some relatively recent discoveries of Mediterranean artifacts, sculptures and other art from around Europe.
Image Source: @/jerryscience
A statue of Aphrodite and a statue of Dionysus were found next to modern-day Turkey in Çavdarhisar (geographically and historically, in the ancient city of Aizanoi, western Anatolia) by archaeologists from Kütahya Dumlupınar University who were excavating the site. These discoveries were made in 2021, but these statues are from the Hellenistic period and survived through the Roman Empire.
“We know that Aphrodite and Dionysus existed under different names in Roman times. These findings are important to us because they show that the polytheistic culture of ancient Greece existed for a long time without losing its importance in the Roman era."
The heads were unearthed from what once was an Anatolian creek bed; the bodies of Aphrodite and Dionysus were found in a previous dig. Additionally, fragments of a Hygieia statue were also found, alongside over 100 other statue fragments throughout the unearthing project. Aside from just how exciting this discovery is today, it also points to a potential sculpture workshop in the area in the past.
Learn more:
"Archaeologists uncover statues of Aphrodite and Dionysus in Turkey (Heritage Daily)
"The excavations in ancient city of Aizanoi discovered the statue heads of Dionysus and Aphrodite" (Arkeonews)
"Lost Gods Found" (Greek Reporter)
"Roman-era statues of Aphrodite and Dionysus unearthed in Turkey" (Live Science)
@/greekcitytimes
Image Source: Spoken Past
This is a family altar from the height of Greek cultural influence just before the rise of the Roman Empire -- it dates back to over 2,000 years ago. It was buried just under a few centimeters of rich earth and vegetation and discovered just in 2023 in Sicily, Italy at an archaeological site in Segesta. This household altar, used for household worship and from Hellenistic ancient Greece, is made of stone and is designed with immense care towards Greek values of harmony and moderation (mimicking the pillars of Greek temples of the time, actually) that was "perfectly preserved."
"The Segesta site never ceases to amaze us...," the regional minister expressed, according to The Economic Times. "Excavations continue to bring to light... pieces that add new perspectives and interpretations to a site where multiple civilizations are stratified."
It is actually a portable altar, intended for those without a built-in hearth at home, according to Wiki Commons; I believe this to be possible, but I was unable to confirm or deny this morning (so I will try to look further into this later).
Learn more:
"A more than 2000-year-old ancient Greek altar was found in the archaeological site of Segesta in Sicily" (Greek City Times)
"Workers clearing bushes stumble on 2,000-year-old family treasure in Italy, photos show" (Miami Herald)
"Hellenistic family altar found in Sicily" (The History Blog)
"Ancient Greek Altar Unearthed in Sicily" (Archaeology Magazine)
"2,000-yr-old Greek altar found at archaeological site in Sicily" (The Economic Times)
"Ancient Greek altar unearthed at archaeological site in Sicily" (Reuters)
"Perfectly preserved ancient Greek altar unearthed in Sicily" + LinkedIn Post (Archaeology Mag)
Image Source: @/Extra_Mechanic_2750 / Smithsonian
This is a 26-foot-tall statue of the Titan Atlas from an ancient Sicilian temple of Zeus, dating back to around 2,500 years ago (fifth century B.C.E). At the structure originally erected in honour of the King of Olympus (Zeus, who led the victorious gods -- and a small handful of Primordials and Titans -- against the Titan race in a 10-year battle known as the Titanomachy in Greek Mythology), 38 similar statues of Atlas stood guard. Atlas, in Greek Mythology, was punished once he lost the war by being forced to carry the sky (in some stories, the heavens or even the world itself) on his shoulders for eternity -- these statues appeared to have been built to uphold the temple of Zeus.
“This stone giant of ancient Akragas, which after many years of studies and research we can observe in its natural position, is the heart of an important museum project of the entire area of the Temple of Zeus."
However, since this statue's discovery in 2004, it has been the subject of great controversy, as elected officials announced their intentions to restore the sculpture and reuse it to uphold a new, modern structure. Currently, it has been pieced back together, reconstructed with sandstone and officially restored -- as of 2024, it is now among the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily, on display for anyone to go visit and see the sculpture firsthand.
Learn more:
"A Towering Statue of Atlas Emerges From the Ruins of Sicily’s Ancient Temple of Zeus" (Smithsonian Magazine)
"Long-buried Atlas statue raised to guard Temple of Zeus in Sicily once more" (The Guardian)
"Giant Statue Returns to Ancient Greek Archaeological Site in Sicily" (Greek City Times)
Italy, Thursday, February 29, 2024 (The Guardian: World)
"The Stunning Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily" (The Guardian)
"After 20 years' work, Atlas stands guard again at Sicilian temple" (Magzter)
Rossana Valenti
