Ancient Roman Statues Hidden in Vineyard for 1,700 Years Unearthed in Israel.
Archaeologists working near Binyamina in northern Israel have uncovered two exceptionally preserved Roman marble statues that remained hidden for nearly 1,700 years. The rare sculptures were discovered during excavations connected to a major railway expansion project and are already being described as one of the region's most important archaeological finds in recent years.
The statues were found inside a wine collection vat belonging to a Roman-Byzantine winepress. Rather than standing in their original location, the sculptures had been carefully placed face down within the pit, suggesting they may have been deliberately hidden long ago.
One of the marble figures carries a Greek inscription bearing the name "Lycurgus," a famous name in the ancient Greek world. Researchers are now investigating whether the sculpture represents the legendary Spartan lawmaker Lycurgus or the influential Athenian statesman who lived during the fourth century BC.
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| Image Credit : Shatil Immanuelov, Eliran Oren |
According to archaeologists involved in the excavation, the statues appear to have been intentionally concealed after the winepress fell out of use. Although the reason remains unknown, experts believe they may have been hidden for safekeeping during a period of unrest or political change.
The sculptures are known as protomes, a form of artwork depicting the upper part of the human body. Such finds are extremely rare in the region, making the discovery particularly significant for researchers studying Roman-era Israel.
The moment of discovery left a lasting impression on the excavation team. Workers first noticed an unusual object protruding from the ground and alerted archaeologists. As the surrounding soil was carefully removed, it became clear that the object was not pottery but finely carved marble. Eventually, two complete sculptures emerged from the earth.
Researchers believe the statues may once have decorated a luxurious Roman villa belonging to a wealthy resident of nearby Caesarea, one of the most important cities in the eastern Roman Empire. Earlier excavations in the area revealed the remains of a Roman bathhouse, strengthening the theory that an affluent estate once stood nearby.
Experts note that portrait sculptures of famous Greek thinkers, leaders, and historical figures were commonly displayed in Roman villas, bathhouses, and public buildings. Such artworks reflected the education, status, and cultural interests of their owners.
The newly discovered statues are now undergoing cleaning, conservation, and detailed analysis in laboratories operated by the Israel Antiquities Authority. Scholars hope further study will reveal more about the identities of the figures and the circumstances that led to their burial centuries ago.
The sculptures are expected to be displayed publicly following their presentation at an archaeological conference in Tel Aviv. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the remarkable artefacts later this summer.
For the archaeologists who uncovered them, the find represents a rare and unforgettable moment. After centuries hidden beneath an ancient vineyard complex, these Roman masterpieces are once again seeing the light of day.