Archaeologists working near the ancient city of Aptera near Chania in Crete have discovered unique sculptures of Apollo and Artemis.
They are small and incorporated into a sculpture composition with a height of 0.54 metres with the pedestal and 0.35 metres without it. The sculpture of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and protector of Aptera, is made of bronze and that of the sun god and her brother Apollo of marble.
The figure of the goddess is in particularly good condition and her limbs are fully preserved. It was placed on a skilfully made bronze base in the shape of a box for gifts offering. Artemis is presented in a short belted tunic and her feet are in a position ready for archery. The additional material in white colour used to depict the iris of her eyes is impressively well preserved.
The sculpture of Apollo is modest and contrasts with the splendid goddess, the patroness of the city. Nevertheless, it is very well made and the red colour is basically preserved.
The sculptures were placed on a small terraced stone pedestal and attached to it using the method of liquefied lead moulding.
It is assumed that they were imported from artistic centres outside Crete to be placed in a wall niche and to form a home sanctuary in a house of the Roman era.
According to initial assessments, the sculptures were created between the second half of the 1st century AD and the early 2nd century AD.
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