According to ancient Romans, the best spot is on the Acropolis slope, where an ancient artifact has been unearthed.

During construction work for a gas pipeline near the ancient Roman theater in Athens, a marble statue from the Roman era was discovered. This finding occurred on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis, which was considered an elite area during Roman times, writes Heritage Daily.

The statue depicts a naked male figure in a distinctive style. Similar examples include the Ludovisi Hermes at the Palazzo Altemps and the Hermes of Anzio at the National Roman Museum, showcasing the widespread influence of this artistic form during the Roman era. The Odeon itself, built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla, served as a cultural center for the elite of Roman Athens.

The region south of the Acropolis, where the statue was unearthed, was known during the Roman Empire as the prime location for luxurious villas. These residences were adorned with exquisite mosaics and sculptures, many reflecting the styles of classical and archaic Greece. Neo-Attic workshops, renowned for their precision and respect for previous artistic traditions, played a significant role in the creation of such works.

Following the discovery, the Greek Ministry of Culture announced plans to transfer the statue to restoration laboratories, where specialists will restore the artifact. This find highlights the legacy of ancient Greek and Roman art, offering a new perspective on their interconnected cultural history.

We also reported on an unexpected discovery made by Belgian scientists while investigating a cesspit.