An image of the legendary Ajax was discovered by Greek archaeologists

In the underwater ruins of the ancient city of Salamis, located on an island near Athens, archaeologists have discovered unique artifacts.

In the sunken city they found an image of the legendary Trojan War hero Ajax and artifacts that provide valuable information about the past of the area and its great hero. Experts have confirmed that the ruins of Salamis exactly match the description presented by a Greek geographer about two thousand years ago.

How tells Live Science, the ancient city is famous for its role in the Persian Wars. Of particular importance was the Battle of Salamis, when the Greek fleet defeated the Persian invaders. But before the second century AD, the city began to lose its glory, and many architectural artifacts were flooded. The Greek geographer Pausanias described the remains of the market square, the temple of Ajax and his dark wood statue.

For several years, archaeologists have been studying the sunken ruins of Salamis; in 2021, they discovered a dam that served as a fortification system for the ancient city. They have now announced the discovery of a massive stoa building, which remains in fairly good condition and is key to understanding the history of Salamis.

Artifacts from various periods were found inside, including bronze coins and pottery. Particular attention was drawn to the upper part of the marble stele with the image of a bearded man, most likely Ajax. This is an extremely important find for understanding the history and culture of Salamis.

Reference. Ajax (Ayant, Eant) the Great (ancient Greek Αἴᾱς Μέγας), Ajax Telamonides (ancient Greek Αἴᾱς Τελαμώνιος) – in ancient Greek mythology, a Greek hero who participated in the siege of Troy. Initially, his cult formed on the islands of Aegina and Salamis in the Saronic Gulf, from where it spread to other parts of Hellas. Homer compares him to the god of war Ares and calls him the strongest of the Greeks. In the Iliad, the main Trojan hero Hector and Ajax confront each other 8 times. Of all the battles between the two heroes, there is not a single one where Hector wins. In two cases, he even finds himself on the verge of death, from which Apollo and the Trojan army save him.

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