2-METER ATHENA STATUE FOUND IN LAODICEA
During the excavation works carried out in the Ancient City of Laodikeia in Denizli, a white marble Athena statue approximately 2 meters long was found in the stage building of the Western Theater.
New Find in the Western Theater
As part of the ongoing excavation and restoration works in the Ancient City of Laodikeia, a significant find was reached in the stage building of the Western Theater. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced that a white marble Athena statue, approximately 2 meters long, has been unearthed.
Minister Ersoy used the following expressions in his assessment of the matter:
“We have achieved another significant discovery in Laodikeia. Another new find has been unearthed in the ancient city. Our works carried out in the Laodikeia Western Theater continue to bring the traces of the past to light. In the stage building, we unearthed an Athena statue, approximately 2 meters long, made of white marble. While this structure, which hosted Homeric epics, reveals that it was also a center of cultural expression in ancient times, the work, reflecting the classical style of the Augustan Period, attracts attention with its high artistic quality. With our 'Heritage for the Future' vision, we continue to preserve and carry this unique heritage into the future.”
Discovered Within Rubble Fill
According to the statement made by the Ministry, the statue was found face down within the rubble fill in front of the outer wall, in the section of the Western Theater's stage building called “postskene”. It was reported that the head portion of the approximately 2-meter-long artifact has not yet been reached.
The Stage Building Was Adorned with Statues
It was stated that in the three-story architectural arrangement of the Western Theater's stage building, dating back to the 2nd century BC, 16 columns were located on each floor, and statues depicting gods, goddesses, and mythological scenes were placed between these columns. It was also stated that numerous groups of statues reflecting scenes from Homeric epics were uncovered in previous excavations within the structure.
High Craftsmanship and Rare Typology
It was reported that the Athena statue is depicted standing on a round pedestal, with details such as a finely woven peplos garment, a cloak, and an aegis featuring the head of Medusa with snakes on its chest attracting attention. It was noted that the fabric workmanship and form details on the statue reflect high artistic quality, and the cloaked typology is considered among rare examples.
Reflecting the Augustan Period Style
It was stated that the work, evaluated in terms of its artistic features, reflects the classical style dating back to the Emperor Augustus period. It was also expressed that in Laodikeia, an important weaving center in ancient times, Athena's aspect as a patron of weaving stood out, and that festivals were held in the goddess's name, as documented by inscriptions.
