Photo by Israel Antiquities AuthorityThis is SO cool!
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The battering waves, wind, and rain in our weekend storm caused part of the ancient maritime cliff in Ashkelon to collapse.
Then yesterday a person walking along the sandy seashore sighted a marble statue being lapped by the now calmer waves!
Authorities were notified. The Israel Antiquities Authority immediately sent the Ashkelon district archaeologist. The municipal council sent a crane.
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I watched wide-eyed as the TV news showed the 200 kg, 1.2 meter statue being slowly raised to the top of the cliff.
Next, her pedestal was brought up.
What a way to do archaeology!! No digging necessary!
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She is a beauty, the ca. 1700 or 1800 year old lady from the late Roman period.
Very delicate feet and sandals and a lovely toga.
Her head and arms have probably been missing since antiquity.
She once stood in a Roman bath house.
Miraculously she was not damaged in her fall to the beach.
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I saw that here (northern Alberta) on the news, and was astonished. Is that what can be called a silver lining - finding such a treasure through the fierce storms? Thanks for the pictures, Dina. I always enjoy your posts. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's just amazing - unbelievable! She's a beauty even if she's "headless for the holidays!"
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful! How exciting and wonderful...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story and photo.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fine find, Dina!
ReplyDeleteEvery cloud has a silver lining!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful find & how elegant she looks.
ReplyDeletexx
Dianne
What a Christmas Story !
ReplyDeletePlease have you all a good Thursday.
daily athens
It is an incredible treasure to wash up on the beach! I read about it and watched the news broadcast about this discovery. I, too, was fascinated and watched in wonder.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! What a find.
ReplyDeletewow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAloha from Hawaii
Comfort Spiral
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Thrilling! And I love your title.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think? Should broken statues be repaired?
ReplyDeleteShalom friends and thanks for sharing your joy about this find.
ReplyDeleteWho knows what else is still hiding underground . . .
Ann, I think statues should remain pretty much as they were found. If she is headless, so be it.
Even a raging storm could bear some good fruits...
ReplyDeleteshe's beautiful
ReplyDeleteThis is FANTASTIC! What a story!
ReplyDeleteShe is in an incredible good shape too! No algae?
ReplyDeleteSpacedlaw, she was covered with sand and dirt all these centuries, inside the cliff. She was only in or near the sea water for a day or two.
ReplyDeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteThat is great news! Easy way to get in touch with history!
ReplyDeleteOh that IS neat!
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