Unexpected Statues of Mythological Goddess Unearthed in Jordan

Two marble statues of the goddess Aphrodite have been unearthed in Petra, Jordan. Described as “absolutely exquisite”, the representations of the mythological goddess are mostly intact and are said to be so special that they would be great additions to exhibitions at some of the most famous museums in the world.

Phys.org reports that the research team from North Carolina State University and East Carolina University was surprised when they found the sculptures while excavating domestic structures in Petra’s North Ridge area in May and June of 2016. As their goal was to shed light on “everyday” objects of regular folks, and not the elite, the two statues were not what they expected. “Even though they weren’t exactly what we were looking for, these finds still tell us a lot about the population,” dig co-director Tom Parker has said.

NC State Professor of History Tom Parker and students examine a statue of Aphrodite, discovered during 2016 excavations in Petra, Jordan. (Tom Parker)