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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Alumni excellence celebrated in style at Oakleigh Grammar

Oakleigh Grammar has inducted two more former students into the prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame.

A pilgrimage to heroic Souli: Remembering the legacy of the Souliotes and Souliotises

Nestled in the rugged mountains of Epirus, Souli is more than just a historical site—it is a symbol of resilience and bravery.

The First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea: Defining Orthodoxy and preserving Hellenism

The First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD by Emperor Constantine the Great, stands as a pivotal event in Christian history.

From PAK to PASOK: Sakis Gekas to lecture on anti-dictatorship resistance in Toronto

The talk will feature some of the key moments of the anti-dictatorship struggle and its manifestations in the public sphere.

US urges EU to abandon protections for feta and other regional products

The United States is ramping up pressure on the European Union to eliminate its system of geographical indications.

You May Also Like

Greek community of NSW commemorate Athens Polytechnic Uprising anniversary

The 49th anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic Uprising was commemorated on Sunday, November 20 with a special event in Sydney.

Nick Kyrgios through to second round of Australian Open after crushing Ferreira Silva

Nick Kyrgios is through to the second round of the Australian Open after defeating Ferreira Silva in straight sets.

Australian model Montana Cox keeps keen eye on “gorgeous” Tsitsipas

Model Montana Cox is one of a bevy of celebrities set to make their way to the 21st annual Crown IMG Tennis Party tonight,...