Archaeologists in Turkey have unearthed a remarkable two-meter-tall white marble statue of the Greek goddess Athena during ongoing excavations at the ancient city of Laodicea. Discovered lying face down in the rubble of the city's Western Theater, this magnificent sculpture offers new insights into the artistic and cultural prominence of the region during antiquity. The find was officially announced by Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism, highlighting its significance for the archaeological community.
A Theatrical Masterpiece
The impressive statue, which dates back to the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD), was found in the stage building of the theater, an area known as the postskene. While the head of the goddess has not yet been located, the surviving body exhibits exceptional craftsmanship. Athena is depicted standing on a round base, draped in a finely woven sleeveless peplos and a cloak around her neck. Her chest is protected by an aegis adorned with the head of Medusa and intricately detailed serpents.
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Marble statue of Athena stands at the excavation site in Laodicea Denizli, Turkey. (AA)
According to researchers, the back of the statue was left roughly finished, indicating it was designed to be displayed between the columns of the theater's three-story stage building. This architectural marvel, constructed in the 2nd century BC, featured 16 columns on each level, between which statues of deities, rulers, and mythological figures were placed. The presence of Athena here emphasizes the structure's role not just as a venue for theatrical performances, but as a center for cultural storytelling and the celebration of Homeric epics.
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The Athena Statue includes an aegis adorned with the head of Medusa. (AA Video Screenshot)
The Patron Goddess of Weaving
Interestingly, Laodicea was a major textile center in the ancient world, famous for its black wool and weaving industry. In this context, the newly discovered statue likely emphasizes Athena's role as the patron goddess of weaving and crafts, rather than her more common association with warfare. Historical inscriptions from the city even document festivals held in her honor, celebrating her connection to the local economy.
Uncovering Ancient Epics
The ongoing restoration work at the West Theater has yielded numerous other sculptural groups, including scenes from the Odyssey, such as Odysseus’ encounters with the Laestrygonians and the sea monster Scylla. These discoveries continue to illuminate the rich cultural tapestry of Laodicea, a city that served as a vital crossroads of trade and culture in the ancient Mediterranean world. As excavations proceed, archaeologists remain hopeful that the missing head of Athena may yet be found.
Top image: Archaeological team lifts the 2-meter tall marble artifact using straps and a crane in Laodicea, Denizli, Turkey. Source: AA Video Screenshot
By Gary Manners
References
Archaeology Magazine. 2026. Statue of Athena Found in Turkey. Archaeology Magazine. Available at: https://archaeology.org/news/2026/04/24/statue-of-athena-found-in-turkey/
Daily Sabah with AA. 2026. 2-meter Athena statue found at Türkiye’s ancient city of Laodicea. Daily Sabah. Available at: https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/2-meter-athena-statue-found-at-turkiyes-ancient-city-of-laodicea
Hurriyet Daily News. 2026. Athena statue unearthed in Laodicea. Hurriyet Daily News. Available at: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/amp/athena-statue-unearthed-in-laodicea-221513
