Bronze idol, gift to Zeus, unearthed in ancient Olympia archaeological dig
A mini-statue believed to have been used as a gift for Zeus between 1,050 and 700 B.C. was discovered at the archaeological site of Olympia, a sanctuary site dedicated to the god of thunder.
Bronze bull idol unearthed at the archaeological site of Olympia
(photo credit: GREEK MINISTRY OF CULTURE/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS
Greek archaeologists have unearthed by chance a more than 2,500-year-old
bronze bull idol at the archaeological site of Olympia, the culture
ministry said on Friday.
An observant archaeologist
came across the mini-statue during work at the site, one of the most
celebrated sanctuaries in ancient Greece, the ministry said in a
statement.
With
one of its horns sticking out of the ground after heavy rainfall, the
statuette was found intact, close to the temple of ancient Greek god
Zeus at Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.
It was transferred to a laboratory for conservation.
Archaeologists believe
that it was part of thousands of gifts offered to Zeus in the 1,050-700
B.C. period. Bulls and horses played an important role in the lives of
ancient Greeks and so were frequently dedicated to the gods.
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