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1,700-Year-Old Roman-Byzantine Statues Unearthed Near Israeli Villa

6/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Archaeologists uncovered two marble statues face down in a Roman-Byzantine wine-collection pit near Binyamina-Giv'at Ada.
The Israel Antiquities Authority identified the statues as 1,700-year-old marble protomes, one with an inscription naming Lycurgus.
Researchers think the statues once adorned a villa near a newly found bathhouse, reflecting elite Roman-Byzantine culture.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said the find demonstrates archaeology’s public power.
MUZA director-general Gil Omer called the statues exceptionally well preserved.

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Story summary

Archaeologists uncovered two marble statues face down in a Roman-Byzantine wine-collection pit near Binyamina-Giv'at Ada.
The Israel Antiquities Authority identified the statues as 1,700-year-old marble protomes, one with an inscription naming Lycurgus.
Researchers think the statues once adorned a villa near a newly found bathhouse, reflecting elite Roman-Byzantine culture.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said the find demonstrates archaeology’s public power.
MUZA director-general Gil Omer called the statues exceptionally well preserved.