ATHENS – Greek archaeologists happened to have excavated a more than 2,500-year-old bronze bull idol at the archaeological site of Olympia, the Ministry of Culture said on Friday.
The observant archaeologist came across the mini-statue while working on the site, one of the most celebrated shrines in ancient Greece, the ministry said in a statement.
With one of its horns protruding from the ground after heavy rainfall, the statue was found whole, near the temple of the ancient Greek god Zeus in Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.
It was transferred to a laboratory for preservation.
Archaeologists believe that it was part of thousands of gifts that Zeus offered in the period 1050-700 BC. Bulls and horses played an important role in the lives of ancient Greeks and were therefore regularly dedicated to the gods.
