Statues Of Artemis And Apollo Found In Ancient City Of Aptera

MessageToEagle.com – Archaeologists excavating in the ancient city of Aptera, Crete has unearthed two well-preserved statues of the Greek gods, Apollo and Artemis.

Preliminary studies suggest the statues were used to decorate a shrine in a luxury home in Rome. Both statues date to the first or second century AD and measure around 54cm in height, with the base measuring around 35cm.

According to the Greek Culture Ministry, the statue of Artemis is made of copper, while Apollo is sculpted from marble. They were found during an excavation of the archaeological site led by Vanna Niniou-Kindelis, director of excavations at Aptera.

Two very well-preserved statuettes depicting the Greek gods Artemis and Apollo have been discovered in the ancient city of Aptera, Crete. The sculptures, which date to the first or second century AD, would have been imported to Crete and used to decorate a shrine in a luxury Roman home, the Greek Culture Ministry announced.
In Greek mythology, Artemis was the great Olympian goddess of hunting, wilderness, and wild animals. Her twin brother was Apollo. Together the two gods were also bringers of sudden death and disease.

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The ancient city of Aptera is also mentioned in Greek mythology. It was the site of a contest between the Sirens and the Muses. The Sirens were defeated and as a result, lost their feathers and cast themselves into the sea. Aptera means “without wings”. It became a prominent city in the third century BC but was destroyed by an earthquake in the 7th century AD.

The statue of Artemis is in excellent condition. She is wearing a tunic, with her stance showing her preparing to shoot an arrow.
The sculpture of Apollo is simpler but nevertheless was carved with excellent artistry. Notable of this statue is the “rare preservation” of the red dye in the brackets – the sculpture would have been painted.

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