Two Rare Greco-Roman Marble Statues Uncovered in Israel

Marble Statues Discovered in Israel

According to НВ — Техно: On June 17, 2026, archaeologists in Israel unearthed two marble statues from the Greco-Roman period during excavations conducted before a railway expansion. The statues, which date back to the Roman era, were found buried face down in a wine-collection pit. They are examples of "protomes," depicting prominent figures from the Greco-Roman world. One of the statues bears a Greek inscription with the name "Lycurgus."

The dig was carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), led by Eliran Oren and Avisag Reiss. The statues were carefully placed face down in the pit after the wine press had fallen out of use. According to the excavation directors, 'they were gently laid face down in the wine-collection pit after the grape press was no longer in use. At this point, we do not know why they were hidden there, though it is possible they were deliberately concealed for protection.'

Significance of the Find

This discovery resulted from work tied to the expansion of the coastal railway line in Israel, part of an initiative by the Ministry of Transport and Israel Railways to develop high-speed rail connections reaching up to 250 km/h. Archaeologist Michael Sorotskin, who was also present during the excavation, noted: 'During the dig, workers noticed something sticking out of the ground and called me over. Immediately, there was a sense that we had found something unusual. As the excavation progressed, it became clear that it was not pottery but marble. Slowly, two statues emerged. It was an extraordinary moment.'

The statues will be presented to the public for the first time at an archaeological conference at Center VII - House 18 on June 18 at the Motza - Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv. Following the conference, the sculptures will be displayed for the public until the end of the summer. Meanwhile, previous excavations in the area have uncovered remains of a Roman bathhouse, highlighting the rich archaeological context of this region.

'This discovery is a once-in-a-lifetime event. The most remarkable finds often appear when you least expect them, and in this case, they turned up on the last day of the excavation.' Eliran Oren and Avisag Reiss

The statues are currently undergoing cleaning, conservation, and study in the laboratories of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

This find is highly significant for studying the history and culture of the Roman period in Israel, as the statues may help illuminate social and cultural aspects of that era. They also underscore the importance of archaeological research, which can uncover key artifacts even within modern infrastructure projects. The discovery of the two marble statues serves as a reminder of the region's rich historical heritage, which continues to be revealed through scientific investigation.

This remarkable find adds to the rich tapestry of archaeological discoveries in Israel, a region known for revealing significant historical artifacts. For instance, a recent excavation in a cave uncovered secrets about early human life, dating back 300,000 years. Such discoveries not only enhance our understanding of ancient civilizations but also highlight the ongoing importance of archaeological research in the area. To learn more about these astonishing findings, read about the ancient cave and its implications for human history.