Archaeologists in Greece have unearthed the remains of a magnificent ancient building adorned with marble lion sculptures and exquisite gold artifacts, igniting excitement among historians.
The excavation began in early October near Aigio, situated within Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, approximately five miles southwest of the modern city, as disclosed by the Greek Ministry of Culture.
The location is steeped in history, linked to an ancient city within the Achaea region. The primary focus was on a structure designated by the gamma symbol (“Γ”) believed to predate 300 BC.
In their efforts, the team has uncovered several stone blocks and remnants of pillars, while also laying bare the imposive 55ft-long edge of the southern side among other significant features of the edifice.
Present findings suggest this could be the “heroon” of the settlement – a revered shrine or sanctuary established in honor of a hero.
Heroons were built in memory of celebrated figures from Greek myths or local lore, frequently at sites associated with them such as their legendary burial ground or the scene of notable deeds.
These sanctified monuments had varied prominence in Greek cities or temples, ranging from modest alters for commemoration, to grand complexes housing cult statuary and hosting ceremonial rites like sacrifices and annual celebrations.
Inside the ancient monument, archaeologists uncovered intact burials and a sarcophagus harboring “valuable” artefacts of considerable artistic importance.
Among the remarkable finds were a set of gold earrings with lion head motifs; a gold earring fashioned into the image of a nude, winged Eros holding a scepter in his right hand and a wreath in his left; and an ornate gold necklace.
The mythical Eros, known to the Romans as Cupid, symbolises love and desire in ancient Greek mythology and is traditionally portrayed as a youthful figure with wings, armed with a bow and arrows.
These luxurious grave goods signify the immense wealth and high societal rank of those interred within the tomb.
Beneath the debris adorning the edifice, the excavators unveiled vestiges of several lion statues, each masterfully sculpted from the esteemed Pentelic marble the iconic white rock procured from the slopes of Mount Pentelikon in Attica, celebrated for its gleaming golden hue.
This marble holds acclaim particularly because it was used to craft ancient Greece’s revered landmarks and statues.
The illustrious Parthenon atop Athens’ Acropolis stands as perhaps the most eminent example of Pentelic marble, which gained favor among the ancients for constructing their grandest edifices and sculptures owed to its superior strength and aesthetic appeal.
