03.02.2016
Статуи Артемиды и Аполлонаwere discovered during the archaeological excavations of Ancient Apters – one of the largest ancient cities of Crete. Unique finds have a small size – their height does not exceed 54 cm. But on the significance of the sculptures is not reflected at all. According to preliminary conclusions, the statues belong to the second half of the 1st century or to the beginning of the II century.
The statue of Artemis, which was worshiped in Apter, is made of bronze. The fact of its discovery is also important because the ancient bronze sculptures – not such a frequent find. The statue is perfectly preserved and was found with a bronze pedestal. Not affected even limbs. The goddess, who is often depicted with bows and arrows, dressed in a tunic, holding a bow and as if preparing for a shot.
Apollo is made of marble. It is the difference in the material emphasizes how important the cult of Artemis was. Both statues for centuries rested in a Roman villa and clearly belonged to one sculptural composition. According to scientists, their specially brought to Crete as a home shrine and decoration for luxury villas. Archaeologists are also impressed by the fact of partial preservation of the red dye, which was covered with sculptures Apollo.
