Archaeologists discover broken statue of ancient Greek god in Turkey

·

Archaeologists conducting excavations at the ruins of an early Christian church in Istanbul, Turkey, have made an intriguing discovery: a broken statue depicting the Greek god Pan. 

The statue, depicting Pan with goat horns, a naked torso, and playing a reed pipe, was found within the remains of the sixth-century church of St Polyeuctus.

It is unlikely that a Christian church would have kept a statue of such a pagan god. Rather, archaeologists think the statue’s location is the result of a modern mistake.

The ruins of the church of St Polyeuctus.

In the 1960s, workers building a nearby road discovered the remains of the sixth-century church of St Polyeuctus by accident. After an excavation, archaeologists used backfill — earth used to fill holes and level ground — to cover up the ruins. 

Mahir Polat, the deputy general secretary of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), told Live Science it’s likely the statue was part of that backfill.

Source: Protothema.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Athens to Adelaide: Hellenic bonds strengthened at dinner for Loverdos

South Australia’s Greek community gathered at the Mortlock Chamber to honour visiting Deputy Minister Ioannis Loverdos.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney pays tribute to women of courage and resistance

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney hosted a deeply moving and meticulously researched presentation titled Greek Heroines of WWII.

Anemones in full bloom, 25 years of Greek dance and giving

The hall was brimming with warmth, laughter, dance, and homemade food; unmistakable signs you’d stepped into an Anemones celebration.

Sydney Olympic may be forced to drop new logo over Olympic symbol breach

Sydney Olympic FC may be forced to change its new logo after it was found to breach protections over official Olympic symbols.

Greek Australian community leader Nola Radiotis honoured with Senior Award

The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards took place at Government House on this Wednesday, October 22, 2025. 

You May Also Like

Greek President attends commemoration for the historic Siege of Tripolitsa

Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, attended events on Sunday commemorating the bicentennial of the Siege of Tripolitsa.

Oakleigh swaps Year of the Rabbit for goat-skinned Pourpouri and camels

Dancers of the Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture were draped in animal skins and ringing bells at Oakleigh, Victoria on Sunday.

Petra Kalive teams up with Diana Nguyen to spotlight racism in new stage show

Greek Australian director Petra Kalive has teamed up with Vietnamese Australian comedian, Diana Nguyen in bringing Laurinda to the stage.