ATHENS – Greek archaeologists accidentally unearthed a more than 2,500-year-old bronze idol of the bull at the Olympia archaeological site, the Ministry of Culture said Friday.
An observant archaeologist came across the miniature while working on the site, one of the most celebrated shrines in ancient Greece, the ministry said in a statement.
With one of its horns sticking out of the ground after heavy rains, the figurine was found intact, close to the temple of the ancient Greek god Zeus at Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.
It was transferred to a laboratory for preservation.
Archaeologists believe it was part of thousands of gifts presented to Zeus in the period from 1050-700 BC. Bulls and horses played an important role in the life of the ancient Greeks and were therefore often dedicated to the gods.
