Archaeologists uncover ancient two-metre marble statue of Greek goddess Athena

Oliver Partridge
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:00:51 +0000

A marble sculpture depicting the Greek goddess Athena has been unearthed at the ancient site of Laodicea in present-day Turkey.

The white marble figure, measuring nearly two metres in height, was discovered lying face down amid debris along the exterior wall of the theatre's rear stage area - a section archaeologists refer to as the postskene.

While the statue remains largely intact, its head has yet to be located by the research team.

Athena held a position of great reverence in ancient Greek religion, embodying wisdom, warfare and skilled craftsmanship, with traditional representations showing her wearing a helmet and carrying a spear.

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The sculpture stands upon a circular base and is dressed in a finely crafted sleeveless peplos - the traditional draped garment worn in antiquity.

Around the neck hangs a short cape known as a hylamis, a feature researchers have identified as particularly unusual and which adds to the artefact's importance.

Adorning the chest is an aegis bearing the head of Medusa surrounded by coiled serpents, both powerful symbols long associated with the goddess.

Snakes and the gorgoneion, or Gorgon's head, rank among the most recognisable emblems linked to Athena in classical iconography.

The artistic style of the sculpture places it firmly within the first classical period of the Augustus era, spanning 27 BC to 14 CE.

Experts have attributed the piece to a master sculptor, citing the flowing treatment of fabric and meticulous attention to drapery detail as evidence of exceptional skill.

The rear of the figure was deliberately left unworked, suggesting it was intended for placement between columns where only the front would be visible to viewers.

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Restoration efforts at the theatre's stage building have been ongoing continuously since the beginning of 2026.

Laodicea boasts a profound Greek heritage, having been established during the Hellenistic period around the mid-third century BC by the commander Seleucus Antiochus II, who chose to name the settlement after his wife Laodike.

The city subsequently fell under Roman control in 129 BC, eventually developing into one of antiquity's wealthiest urban centres.

Textile production formed a cornerstone of the city's economy, with Laodicea recognised as one of the ancient world's leading weaving hubs.

Inscriptions recovered from the archaeological site document festivals held in Athena's honour, with researchers noting the goddess was revered there principally for her association with weaving and artisanal crafts.