Rare Bronze Statue of Greek God Apollo Surfaces in Gaza
Posted on February 11, 2014
A large bronze statue of the Greek god Apollo has surfaced in Gaza. Images of the remarkable looking statue resting on a Smurf blanket recently surfaced. The Guardian reports that archaeologists estimate the statue is about 2,000 years old. It weighs 500 kilograms (1,100 lbs).
The statue was reportedly found by a fisherman and carried back to Gaza on a donkey cart. Experts are disputing this story and believe the statue was found on land due to its great condition.
Jean-Michel de Tarragon, a historian with the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem, told Reuters, "This wasn't found on the seashore or in the sea ... it is very clean. No, it was (found) inland and dry." The historian also noted the statue's lack of barnacles.
The statue was briefly listed on eBay for $500,000. The statue has since been confiscated by Hamas police. Take a look: