In the ancient Greek city of Stratonikeia, Turkey, archaeologists recently uncovered a marvelous relic: the statue “Dancing Muses,” which had been lost for 2,175 years.
Per the Daily Sabah, Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has confirmed that this is the original “Dancing Muses,” a Hellenistic-period piece that has been replicated many times throughout history across Anatolia and Greece.
Creation of this original work has been attributed to the famous second-century B.C.E. sculptor Philiskos, who was renowned for his ability to convey movement and anatomical accuracy in his artwork.
The unearthing of the original work by Philiskos marks a major cultural discovery for Turkish archaeologists, as it firmly establishes Philiskos’ presence in ancient Stratonikeia.
Known as “the city of eternal loves and gladiators,” Stratonikeia is one of the largest marble-built cities in the world, and the only city-state with two major sanctuaries within it — one dedicated to Hekate, the other to Zeus. Today, it is located in the Eskihisar village in Turkey’s Mugla Province.
Stratonikeia ve Lagina Kazısı / XResearchers digging the “Dancing Muses” statue out of the ground.
Archaeologists found this rare sculpture inside a frigidarium — or cold bath — in the Roman baths of Stratonikeia. Unfortunately, the statue wasn’t in perfect condition. While most of the statue is intact, including its body and base, its head and arms are still missing.
Philiskos hailed from Rhodes, a major center for artistic innovation during his time, and records indicate that he mostly created heroes and gods from ancient mythology. The “Dancing Muses” was said to depict one of the muses born from the union of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Philiskos is believed to have sculpted, in total, nine sculptures of the muses.
Stratonikeia ve Lagina Kazısı / XArchaeologists cleaning off the uncovered “Dancing Muses” statue.
Little information is known about Philiskos, however, as up until now it was believed that none of his original sculptures had survived. Rather, historians have had to rely on written records and references by other artists to understand the true extent of Philiskos’ influence on the ancient art world.
Previously, a replica of his original “Dancing Muses” was discovered in another Roman bath in the city of Perge, and another in Rhodes, indicating just how widespread these replicas were. Finding the original sculpture by Philiskos, however, offers a true glimpse at his technique and influence.
Stratonikeia ve Lagina Kazısı / XThe recovered “Dancing Muses” statue, missing its arms and head.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced that the statue will be exhibited at the Muğla Museum after restoration work on the statue has finished.