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Ancient bronze bull figurine found in Greek ruins

By Jared Leone, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Ancient bronze bull figurine found in Greek ruins A miniature statue found at Olympia is believed to be a votive offering to the god Zeus. (Greek Culture Ministry /Greek Culture Ministry)

By Jared Leone, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

ATHENS, Greece — A heavy rainfall and a chance spotting by a sharp-eyed archaeologist led to the discovery of a 2,500-year-old bronze bull idol during a dig at Olympia, one of the most important cultural sites in Greece.

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Archaeologist Zacharoula Leventouris spotted a horn protruding from the ground after heavy rains, Greece’s culture ministry said.

The figurine is very well preserved. It was taken to a lab and a preliminary examination dates it to roughly 1050 B.C. to 700 B.C. during the Geometric period of ancient Greek art. The miniature statue is believed to be a votive offering to the god Zeus, because when it was cleaned it showed distinct burn marks.

Many votive offerings have previously been found in a thick layer of ash and are on exhibit at the archaeological museum in Olympia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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