ATHENS, Greece — A heavy rainfall and a chance spotting by a sharp-eyed archaeologist led to the discovery of a 2,500-year-old bronze bull idol during a dig at Olympia, one of the most important cultural sites in Greece.
Archaeologist Zacharoula Leventouris spotted a horn protruding from the ground after heavy rains, Greece’s culture ministry said.
👁️Tο καλοφτιαγμένο ειδώλιο του χάλκινου ταύρου εντοπίστηκε χάρις στην παρατηρητικότητα αρχαιολόγου στον Αρχαιολογικό xώρο #Ολυμπίας καθώς το ένα κέρατό του εξείχε από από το έδαφος! Περισσότερα 👉https://t.co/rCxf8sTlIR
— Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού και Αθλητισμού (@cultureGR) March 19, 2021
και στο βίντεο👇 https://t.co/xbCpJIbZeQ #εύρημα #ΥΠΠΟΑ
The figurine is very well preserved. It was taken to a lab and a preliminary examination dates it to roughly 1050 B.C. to 700 B.C. during the Geometric period of ancient Greek art. The miniature statue is believed to be a votive offering to the god Zeus, because when it was cleaned it showed distinct burn marks.
Many votive offerings have previously been found in a thick layer of ash and are on exhibit at the archaeological museum in Olympia.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
