description Piraeus Bronzes Overview
The Piraeus Bronzes are a group of four monumental ancient Greek bronze statues discovered in 1959 near the main harbor of Piraeus, Greece. The cache includes a rare surviving archaic statue of Apollo, alongside two larger-than-life statues of Artemis and one of Athena. Historians believe the works were hidden for safekeeping during the Roman sack of Athens in 86 BC and are currently housed in the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus.
help Piraeus Bronzes FAQ
When were the Piraeus Bronzes discovered?
The Piraeus Bronzes were discovered in 1959 during construction work near the main harbor of Piraeus, Greece. Workers accidentally unearthed a cache of four monumental ancient Greek bronze statues that had been hidden underground for centuries.
Which gods are represented in the Piraeus Bronzes?
The cache includes a rare surviving archaic statue of Apollo, alongside two larger-than-life statues of Artemis and one of Athena. These sculptures provide a rare glimpse into the transition between the Archaic and Classical periods of Greek art.
Where are the Piraeus Bronzes currently displayed?
Today, the four bronze statues are prominently displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus in Greece. They remain one of the most significant surviving collections of original large-scale ancient Greek bronzework.
Why were the Piraeus Bronzes buried in antiquity?
Historians believe the statues were hidden in anticipation of an impending attack, likely during the Roman general Sulla's sack of Athens in 86 BC. Being buried in the earth actually preserved the metal from being looted or melted down during the invasion.
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