Underwater frieze from the Temple of Zeus found off the coast of Sicily

In an exploration beneath the sea off the coast of Sicily, underwater archaeologists have made an astonishing discovery—a submerged marble frieze block believed to be a part of the renowned Temple of Zeus in ancient Akragas. This remarkable find, announced by the BCsicilia non-profit group, unveils a piece of history lying 300 meters from the Sicilian coast, resting at a depth of 9 meters beneath the surface.

Photo Credit: BCSicilia

The Temple of Zeus, situated in the Valley of the Temples, was a grand doric temple associated with ancient Akragas (Agrigento). The valley itself boasts other ceremonial centers, including the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Heracles, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Hephaestus (Vulcan), and the Temple of Asclepius.

Historically, the Temple of Zeus was a colossal structure, measuring an impressive 112 metres in length and 56 metres in width. Construction of the temple, however, was left incomplete due to the Carthaginian conquest of Akragas in 406 BC, as documented by the Ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus. Subsequent earthquakes further contributed to the temple's demise, and in the 18th century, it was extensively quarried to provide building materials for neighboring settlements.

The newly discovered marble block, measuring approximately 2 metres in length and 1.6 metres in height, is believed to be crafted from Proconnesian marble sourced from the quarries on the Turkish island of Marmara Adası. Carved on one side is a captivating frieze depicting a prancing horse—a common artistic motif in significant Ancient Greek structures, symbolizing power and strength. This frieze likely adorned the exterior tympanum facade of the temple.

The BCsicilia non-profit group promptly reported this extraordinary find to the Superintendency of the Sea, leading to the recovery of the block, which was safely brought back to shore. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the Temple of Zeus but also adds a new chapter to the exploration of ancient maritime history off the coasts of Sicily.

As the underwater archaeological endeavours continue, we anticipate more revelations that will provide deeper insights into the cultural and architectural wonders of ancient civilizations lying beneath the waves.

Photo Credit: BCSicilia