Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
This Ancient Greek marble head has been found just five feet below the ground on an Athens square during construction works.
The ancient sculpture was found on Agia Irini Square in the Greek capital Athens during building works on 14th November.
Athens mayor Kostas Bakoyannis, 42, posted images on Facebook and said that the marble head was found just 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) below ground.
The Greek mayor added: “Unique Athens!”
It was currently unclear who the statue was of, with some speculating that it was an ancient Greek god, possibly Zeus or Hermes, while others believe it was of a prominent Athenian citizen of the time.
However, the day after the discovery, scientists confirmed that it was a statue of Hermes, the ancient Greek god of trade, wealth, luck, fertility, and travel, among others.
Experts agree that it dates back to either the 3rd or 4th century AD.
Scientists are continuing to analyse the marble head to establish an exact age.
Bakoyannis confirmed that the marble artefact has been handed over to the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage for further research.
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