Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com - These remarkable 2,000-year-old marble statues were unearthed in the 1920s during excavations by a British expedition in Ashkelon National Park, Israel. Among these discoveries is an impressive statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, depicted atop a globe supported by Atlas.
Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority
Fortunately, this ancient heritage has been preserved through a comprehensive restoration project for future generations. After being carefully secured, five stunning marble statues weighing several tons each were elevated onto specially prepared pedestals one after another. According to the press release issued by the Israel Antiquities Authority, conservation experts could finally breathe a sigh of relief and appreciate the magnificent sight once positioned and installed.
Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority
In recent years, there has been significant development at Ashkelon National Park led by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority in collaboration with Ashkelon Municipality and the Leon Levy Foundation. The Israel Antiquities Authority began excavating the Roman basilica from which these extraordinary statues emerged. Dr. Rachel Bar-Natan, Saar Ganor, and Federico Kobrin from the Israel Antiquities Authority discovered this grand basilica—the largest in the country—dating back 2,000 years.
Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority
The basilica was a central public building during the Roman period where citizens engaged in business transactions, social gatherings, legal matters, performances, and religious ceremonies.
"The building was founded by Herod," said Dr. Rachel Bar-Natan, Saar Ganor, and Federico Kobrin, the excavation directors on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority
The historian Josephus documented Herod's construction projects in Ashkelon, noting features such as fountains, a bathhouse, and colonnaded halls. Recent excavations of the basilica have revealed findings that align with the grandeur described. During the Roman Severan dynasty in the 2nd and 3rd centuries C.E., renovations were made to the basilica; architectural marble items were introduced, and a small theater was added.
Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority
In total, approximately 200 marble items weighing hundreds of tons were uncovered, highlighting the basilica's opulence. These items included numerous column capitals adorned with plant motifs and some featuring eagles—the emblem of the Roman Empire. Heart-shaped columns and capitals stood at the building's corners.
Today, as part of conservation and restoration efforts by the Israel Antiquities Authority, these magnificent marble statues have been placed in the southern part of the basilica along with giant columns that once supported its roof. The site offers an impressive display of Roman artistic splendor.
Written by Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com Staff Writer
