Italian archeologists discover ancient dolphin statue.

Newly Discovered Sanctuary Unearths Ancient Greek Artifacts

Ancient artifacts have been discovered in southern Italy at a newly identified sanctuary in the ancient Greek city of Paestum. The sanctuary dates back to the 5th century B.C. and is known for its three massive Doric-columned temples. The latest excavation discovered a terracotta figurine of Eros riding a dolphin and seven terracotta bull heads.

Discovery Sheds New Light on Ancient Greek Rituals

Archaeologists believe that the discovery of the seven bull heads around a temple altar represents a form of devotion. Meanwhile, the dolphin statuette was found to be from the Avili family of ceramists, whose presence had never before been documented in Paestum. Culture ministry officials said the discovery sheds new light on the religious life and rituals of this ancient Greek city.

Limited Excavations Began in the 1950s

The first trove of artifacts from the sanctuary was found in the first few months of excavations. Limited excavations began at the temples in the 1950s, and the ministry believes that more treasures could be found in the area.

Ancient Greeks and Romans

The city of Paestum was originally known as Magna Graecia and was home to Greeks colonists until the Romans arrived and took control around 275 B.C. The Romans renamed the city Paestum from the Greek “Poseidonia.”

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