Statues depicting Artemis and Apollo found in Crete

A very important find was unearthed at the archaeological site of Aptera, Chania on the Greek island of Crete.

Bronze statue depicting Artemis [Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture]

Two small sized sculptures (approx 0.54cm height), one of Artemis made of copper and a second of her brother Apollo made of marble.

The statue of Artemis, guardian goddess of Aptera, is in excellent condition and was standing on a square copper base.

Rear view of the statue [Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture]

She is wearing a short chiton, or tunic, and is ready to shoot her arrow. Extremely spectacular is the preservation of the white material used for the iris of her eyes.

Apollo's statuette was simpler and in total contrast with the emphatic depiction of the dominating protector goddess.

Marble statue depicting Apollo [Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture]

However, the sculpture is of excellent artistic execution with apparent the use of red colour.

Both statuettes were probably imported from artistic centers outside Crete in order to decorate the altar of a Roman luxury residence.

The statue of Artemis was standing on an ornate bronze base [Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture]

First estimates date both of the statuettes to the late 1st - early 2nd century AD.

Source: ANA-MPA [January 26, 2016]