A statue of a woman in a tunic from the Roman period was almost accidentally discovered at an archaeological site in the Agora of Ancient Epidaurus.
Almost by accident, because this year’s excavation period ended, and only heavy December rains called the staff of the Ephorat of Antiquities of Argolis to return to the site of archaeological work. Excavations here have been ongoing since 2015 by a research group from the University of Athens, with financial support from the Ioannis S. Latsis Public Charitable Foundation.
Heavy rain on December 10 revealed a statue of a woman in a life-size tunic. Presumably, it was sculptured during the Roman Empire and is well preserved, except for the absence of the head and part of the hands. The unique find has been transferred for storage, cleaning and maintenance to the warehouse in Asklepion.
The woman is depicted in a tunic falling in folds from the left shoulder. One end of it goes behind the back, below the right armpit, and is thrown back over the shoulder. The location of the partially injured right hand indicates that the figure was making an “opening gesture” by pulling the mantle with the right hand outward and upward. In ancient times, this was a characteristic movement of married women. In particular, the wife and daughter of the god of medicine Asclepius were portrayed in this way.
Previously, experts believe that the statue was made during the Roman Empire.
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