Current:Home > MyArcheologists in Italy unearth ancient dolphin statuette-LoTradeCoin
Archeologists in Italy unearth ancient dolphin statuette
View Date:2024-12-23 23:45:36
Excavations in southern Italy have unearthed terracotta bull heads and a figurine of the Greek god Eros riding a dolphin, shining new light on the religious life and rituals of an ancient city, culture ministry officials said Saturday.
It's the first trove of artifacts identified from a sanctuary in the ancient Greek city of Paestum, which dates from the 5th century B.C. Paestum, famed for its three massive Doric-columned temples, is near the archaeological site of Pompeii, but farther down the Almalfi coast.
The small temple was first identified in 2019 along the ancient city walls but excavations were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian Culture Ministry said in a statement.
Excavations yielded several small terracotta figurines in the first months of resuming work, the Ministry said. Archeologists found seven bull heads found around a temple altar as if placed there on the ground in a form of devotion.
A dolphin statuette found in the first trove of artifacts appears to be from the Avili family of ceramists whose presence had never before been documented in Paestum, the statement said.
Limited excavations began at the temples in the 1950s, and the ministry believes more treasures can be found in the area.
Ancient Romans controlled the city by around 275 B.C., renaming it Paestum from the Greek "Poseidonia," in what had before been Magna Graecia.
- In:
- Italy
- Archaeologist
veryGood! (28)
Related
- Amtrak service disrupted after fire near tracks in New York City
- Noah Lyles says his popularity has made it hard to stay in Olympic Village
- Former MLB Pitcher Reyes Moronta Dead at 31 in Traffic Accident
- MLB power rankings: Top-ranked teams flop into baseball's trade deadline
- Lions find way to win, Bears in tough spot: Best (and worst) from NFL Week 10
- National Chicken Wing Day deals: Get free wings at Wingstop, Buffalo Wild Wings, more
- Struggling with acne? These skincare tips are dermatologist-approved.
- Florida police union leader blasts prosecutors over charges against officers in deadly 2019 shootout
- 'Gladiator 2' review: Yes, we are entertained again by outrageous sequel
- Midwest sees surge in calls to poison control centers amid bumper crop of wild mushrooms
Ranking
- Blake Shelton Announces New Singing Competition Show After Leaving The Voice
- Dallas Cowboys' Sam Williams to miss 2024 NFL season after suffering knee injury
- Powerball winning numbers for July 27 drawing: Jackpot now worth $144 million
- All-American women's fencing final reflects unique path for two Olympic medalists
- 2 more escaped monkeys recaptured and enjoying peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in South Carolina
- Quake rattles Southern California desert communities, no immediate reports of damage
- Dallas Cowboys' Sam Williams to miss 2024 NFL season after suffering knee injury
- From discounted trips to free books, these top hacks will help you nab deals
Recommendation
-
Taylor Swift's Dad Scott Swift Photobombs Couples Pic With Travis Kelce
-
What's in the box Olympic medal winners get? What else medalists get for winning
-
Krispy Kreme: New Go USA doughnuts for 2024 Olympics, $1 doughnut deals this week
-
When the science crumbles, Texas law says a conviction could, too. That rarely happens.
-
Lala Kent Swears by This Virgo-Approved Accessory and Shares Why Stassi Schroeder Inspires Her Fall Style
-
Lady Gaga introduces Michael Polansky as her 'fiancé' during Paris Olympics
-
Lady Gaga introduces Michael Polansky as her 'fiancé' during Paris Olympics
-
The Hills’ Whitney Port Shares Insight Into New Round of Fertility Journey