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Ancient Athena Statue Unearthed in Turkey
25 Apr
Summary
- A 2-meter tall marble statue of Athena was found in ancient Laodicea.
- The statue dates to the Roman era and is an outstanding example of sculpture.
- Archaeologists believe it represents important ancient cultural and religious beliefs.
A significant discovery has been made in the ancient city of Laodicea, located in Turkey's Denizli Province. Archaeologists unearthed a marble statue of the Goddess Athena, standing about 2 meters tall and dating to the Roman era.
The statue was found near the 'postskene' of the Western Theatre, an architectural marvel from the 2nd century BC. This structure features three floors with columns depicting scenes from Homeric epics. The Athena statue itself is a finely crafted sleeveless peplos with a hylamis and a distinctive Medusa-adorned aegis.
Art historians estimate the sculpture belongs to the period between the first classical style and the Augustan period (27 BC-14 CE). This find underscores Laodicea's historical importance as a centre for trade and textiles. Epigraphic evidence suggests Athena was revered here particularly for her association with weaving and handicrafts, aligning with vital local industries.
