A newly discovered statue of Hercules in Philippi, Greece dating back over 2000 years

A newly discovered statue of Hercules in Philippi, Greece dating back over 2000 years.

Archaeologists have unearthed a 2,000-year-old statue of the Roman God Hercules at the site of the ancient Greek city of Philippi in Northern Greece. Hercules (the Roman counterpart to the Greek Heracles and the son of Zeus) represents the overcoming of one’s demons and is recognized as a champion of the weak. The statue dates from 2 A.D. and was attached to a building, which dates from 7–8 A.D. Alongside the statue, a richly decorated structure, potentially a fountain, was also found. Philippi has long been believed to be one of the most promising archaeological sites in the country; the discovery of the large Roman statue situated in a town square is one of the most significant finds to date. Established by Philip II, King of Macedon Philippi was built on the Thasian colony of Crenides on the Aegean Sea and was later abandoned after the Ottomans conquered the region in the 14th century. Although it was known to be a site of archaeological importance, it was not excavated until 1914. The statue shows the demigod carrying a club and holding a lion pelt with a wreath of vine leaves—a triumphant stance. It shows the demigod carrying a club and holding a lion pelt with a wreath of vine leaves—a triumphant stance. It was customary in the Byzantine period for buildings and public spaces to be decorated with Roman statues like this one, but the size and quality of the statue is remarkable according to experts.

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