ATHENS, Greece (AP) – Heavy rains in southern Greece led to the discovery of a bronze bull figurine believed to have been a votive offering made to the god Zeus in Ancient Olympia 3,000 years ago.
The Greek Ministry of Culture said on Friday that the small intact figurine was found after an archaeologist spotted a horn coming out of the ground after recent rains in the area.
The excellently preserved statuette was transported to a laboratory and an initial examination indicates that it dates from the geometric period of ancient Greek art, approximately 1050 BC to 700 BC. It is believed to have been a votive offering to Zeus made as part of a sacrifice, such as the sediments removed from the statuette had distinct burn marks, said the Ministry of Culture.
Thousands of votive offerings are believed to have been made at the altar of Zeus. Many have been found in a thick layer of ash and are on display at the archaeological museum in Olympia.