- Ancient columns found at Greek junkyard; 2 arrests
- EXCAVATIONS IN JERUSALEM REVEAL 1,800-YEAR-OLD MARBLE STATUE
Ancient columns found at Greek junkyard; 2 arrests
2009-04-14
Police in northern Greece say they have seized six sections of ancient marble columns from a junkyard and arrested the owners for antiquity smuggling.
The sections of the 2,300-year-old columns are up to 13 feet (4 meters) tall.
The suspects, aged 21 and 28, told police they imported the antiquities legally from neighboring Bulgaria _ but the claim is being treated with suspicion after police examined their documents.
The two men were arrested Tuesday near the northern town of Veroia, 305 miles (490 kilometers) north of Athens, and are being held in police custody until they are formally charged.
EXCAVATIONS IN JERUSALEM REVEAL 1,800-YEAR-OLD MARBLE STATUE
An 1,800-year-old marble figurine depicting the head of a bearded man was recently uncovered during archaeological excavations in Jerusalem’s City of David. The statue is believed to be from the Roman Empire around the time of the Emperor Hadrian between the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Also, the figure’s short hair style, prominent lobes, curved ears and almond-shaped eyes suggest the object most likely portrays an athlete.
“The level of finish on the figurine is extraordinary, while meticulously adhering to the tiniest of details, says Dr. Doron Ben-Ami of the Israel Antiquities Authority. “No similar artifact made of marble bearing the same image has been discovered in excavations anywhere else in the country.”
Travelers to the City of David can explore the site’s visitor’s center, 3D exhibition and guided tours through the excavations that include Warren’s Shaft, ancient water systems such as Hezekiah’s Tunnel and the Second Temple Shiloah pool.
Sources from: http://www.travelvideo.tv/news/israel/04-15-2009/
excavations-in-jerusalem-reveal-1800-year-old-marble-statue-2