A bronze bull figurine was found during an inspection carried out by a group of scientists from Greece’s culture ministry and the Ilia Antiquities Ephorate at the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese.
The culture ministry, in an announcement on Friday, revealed that the small intact figurine was found due to the keen observational skills of archaeologist Zaharoula Leventouri, who spied one of its horns protruding from the ground close to the temple of Zeus after recent heavy rainstorms that hit the area. The bull was instantly sent to the Ephorate’s laboratories to undergo a thorough examination.
Bronze bull figurine found by accident at the archaeological site in Olympia Copyright: Greek Culture Ministry
The Ministry added that, according to an initial examination, the figurine is one of the thousands of gifts dedicated to Zeus at his massive temple in Olympia during the Geometric period (1050BC-700BC).
Copyright: Greek Culture Ministry
The bulls and the horses were the most significant animals for the people’s survival and the creation of their civilization until the modern era.
That’s why it played a crucial role in the worship of the ancient gods and was frequently dedicated by the faithful to appease them or as a sign of satisfaction.
Copyright: Greek Culture Ministry
As with dozens of similar figurines depicting animals or human figures, the copper bull appears to have been dedicated by a worshipper to the god during a sacrifice, as indicated by strong evidence of burning in the sediments and deposits that surround it.
The Ilia Ephorate has also posted a video showing the work done to clean and restore the bull following its discovery.
