For several decades now, the Epidaurus Festival has been closely linked with Asklepion, one of the foremost archaeological destinations in our country. Therefore, we were overjoyed when we found out that a beautiful, large female statue was discovered at the site, following heavy rainfall in the area.
More specifically, a life-size, well-preserved female statue was unearthed at the Agora of the Ancient Epidaurus on Thursday, December 16. According to the Hellenic Ministry of Culture & Sports, the statue was discovered intact, minus the hands that were later additions and the head that was most likely broken off.
The statue depicts a woman in a chiton (tunic) and himation. According to an early estimate, the statue dates back to the Roman imperial period. The figure appears to be performing a gesture that was typical of married women in antiquity; Hygeia, Asclepius’ wife or daughter, was often depicted doing that same gesture.
The archaeological team of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens has been conducting excavations in this site since 2015. According to the official announcement, although this year’s excavation period had ended, the heavy rainfall of the last few days helped unearth part of the statue. The excavation was conducted under the supervision of Vassilis Lamprinoudakis and the civil engineer of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Argolis E. Kazolias, following discussions with the Head of the Ephorate Alkistis Papadimitriou and the Ephorate staff.
