ATHENS – Greek archaeologists happened to discover a bronze bull idol more than 2,500 years old at the archaeological site of Olympia, the Ministry of Culture said on Friday.
An observant archaeologist found the mini-statue while working at the site, one of the most famous sanctuaries in ancient Greece, the ministry said in a statement.
With one of its horns sticking out of the ground after heavy rains, the statuette was found intact, near the temple of the ancient Greek god Zeus in Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.
He was transferred to a conservation laboratory.
Archaeologists believe it was part of thousands of gifts offered to Zeus in the period from 1,050-700 BC. Bulls and horses played an important role in the life of the ancient Greeks and, therefore, were often dedicated to the gods.
