Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Gortyna on the Greek island of Crete have made an unusual discovery: a life-size statue depicting a pig. The rare find, uncovered during July and August 2025, offers intriguing glimpses into religious and cultural life in one of Crete's most powerful ancient city-states.
The interdisciplinary team from the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion discovered the sculpture along North Road, the city's main thoroughfare, according to All That's Interesting. Researchers used cutting-edge methodologies to examine ancient engineering techniques and study various artifacts while learning why these roadways were eventually abandoned.
- Pigs for the Dead: Roman Soldiers and a Forgotten Funerary Ritual
- The Agia Eirini Sculptures - Terracotta Army of the Greek Bronze Age
What makes this discovery particularly noteworthy is its rarity. The statue represents an animal rather than a human figure, making it something of a hybrid between Greek artistic traditions and those of neighboring Mediterranean cultures. While archaeologists remain uncertain about its exact meaning and purpose, they believe further examination may reveal both symbolic roles and practical functions that such artworks served in Gortyna's society. Pigs held significant meaning in ancient Greek and Roman ritual practices, frequently appearing in sacrificial ceremonies and religious observances.
The excavation site along Gortyna's main street. (Scuola Archeologica Italiana di Atene)
Ancient Power Center
Gortyna's history stretches back to 7000 BC, and during Classical antiquity it became an extremely powerful Cretan city, rivaling its famous neighbor Knossos. Though divided by infighting during the Hellenistic era, Gortyna prospered economically and expanded its influence through strategic alliances with Egypt and Rome.
When Rome invaded the Mediterranean in the mid-first century BC, Gortyna was spared destruction due to its good relations with the empire. The city then served as the capital of Roman Crete and remained the seat of power even after Rome's fall in the fifth century AD. Archaeological treasures previously unearthed include the Praetorium (seat of the Roman Governor), a temple dedicated to Apollo, and a Roman theater designed to accommodate an orchestra.
Alongside excavation work, the team conducted a topographical survey to create a high-resolution map of Gortyna, aiding future research and preservation efforts for a city that played such a vital role in ancient Mediterranean history. Researchers hope their recent work will also pave the way for onsite educational experiences at the ruins, allowing visitors to better understand this remarkable civilization.
Top image: Life-size ancient pig statue discovered at Gortyna. Source: Scuola Archeologica Italiana di Atene
By Gary Manners
References
All That's Interesting. 2025. Archaeologists On Crete Just Unearthed A Life-Size Ancient Greek Statue Of A Pig. Available at: https://allthatsinteresting.com/gortyna-crete-ancient-pig-statue
Scuola Archeologica Italiana di Atene. 2025. Excavation at Gortyna. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0xkp77Jy2BPBvQz7KAEzgc6CX9Ws9KWQuVXPGDQUGCZnXYusRiqis7xXctvvk2W5gl&id=100039454877337
